The Punjab University syndicate meeting, presided over by Vice Chancellor Dr Mujahid Kamran, on Saturday approved Rs 6 billion budget for the fiscal year 2013-14.
The university expected a total grant of Rs 1.777 billion from Higher Education Commission, 35 percent of its income. In the budget, the funds allocated for research has been increased from 85 million to 100 million, which is 1.5 percent of total budget.
The syndicate approved the proposal of university authorities to not to increase fee of on campus university students. The members highly appreciated the fact that the Punjab University’s academic and hostel dues were far less than other public sector universities.
The syndicate was all praise for the initiative taken by the VC to facilitate Balochistan students by offering free education, free boarding facilities and Rs3,000 stipend per month (each student) in the next year.
The university has also set up a committee to generate funds for research and development projects. It will be headed by Ms Amna Imam, Additional Secretary of Higher Education Department. According to other salient features of the budget, special students will also be provided with free education along with boarding facilities while students taking admission on sports basis will be provided with free education.
The university will continue to waive off tuition fee of Hafiz-e-Quran. Seed money of Rs 50 million has been allocated for the establishment of Punjab University Medical and Dental College. The university has allocated Rs 75 million for overseas scholarships and Rs 36 million for national and international conferences.
In order to facilitate students, Punjab University is providing funds of Rs93.677 million to its students in terms of scholarships, student affairs and career counseling and other activities. Punjab University is providing Rs162 million Hostel Subsidy, Rs 59.144 million Transport Subsidy and Rs13.730 Internet Subsidy to students.–Staff Reporter