Daily Times

Sir: Rehiring of retired employees on a contractual basis in universities has dismayed serving employees as it badly affects the budget and creates tension and frustration among in-service employees. It is a big dilemma that retired persons are administrating most of the public sector universities of Sindh. On the one hand, it is a gross violation of the apex court’s decision and on the other, it is a liability on the national exchequer as retired officers not only draw their pensions but also huge salaries and other benefits.

Most of the universities in Sindh remain on strike as the retired vice chancellors have no grip over administrative and academic affairs of the universities and the higher education system has become paralysed in Sindh. Shah Abdul Latif University, the only university in upper Sindh, faces a deficit of Rs 97.16 million in the year 2011-2012.

Besides, the key administrative positions of vice chancellor, pro-vice chancellor, director planning and development, inspector colleges, registrar, advisor to Model School and provost hostels (female) are all held by retired persons. Keeping in view the judgment of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, the honourable Chief Justice is requested to take suo motu action against the authorities concerned over the reappointment of retired vice chancellors and officers in public sector universities of Sindh province and to implement the Supreme Court’s decision.

MUHAMMAD SULLEMAN

Shikarpur