18 January 2004	Sunday	25 Ziqa'ad 1424

LAHORE, Jan 17: The Punjab University syndicate on Saturday dismissed the services of Dr Majid Naeem, former principal of the PU College of Information Technology, with effect from April 10, 2002.

The syndicate meeting, chaired by PU vice-chancellor Arshad Mahmood, dismissed Dr Naeem on the charges of embezzlement of Rs4.2 million in the sale of college prospectus, self payments for preparing entrance test papers and purchase of equipment for the college without seeking prior approval from statutory bodies.

The former principal was held guilty by two inquiry committees that recommended his dismissal from service. The second inquiry committee had also examined the written reply submitted by him.

However, he was still allowed by the syndicate personal hearing, which continued for about 45 minutes.

According to a university spokesmen, the embezzled amount will be recovered through a legal process.

MA, MSc (HONOURS) PROGRAMME: The syndicate also approved the launching of two flexible MA, MSc (Honours) programmes in the university.

The approval was given on the recommendations submitted by the science faculty about the launching of two programmes - one for the students having PU's three-year BA, BSc (Honours) degrees and the other for those having two-year BA, BSc degree from the university's affiliated colleges.

The PU had started three-year BA, BSc (Honours) programme in 14 departments in 2001. The students enrolled at that time have completed their six semesters and are vying to get enrolled for MA, MSc (Honours) programme.

CONSTITUENT COLLEGES: Considering a supplementary agenda item, the syndicate deferred the case of converting Institute of Art and Design, pharmacy department and Institute of Chemical Engineering and Technology into university's constituent colleges.

The syndicate said the matter should be first discussed and approved by the respective boards of studies and faculty boards after which it would consider the recommendations.

UNDERGROUND SEWERAGE: The syndicate discussed the matter of construction of an underground passage through the university land for sewerage disposal of Tech/PCSIR societies in the light of the report of the sub-committee appointed by it.

The syndicate, however, deferred the case on the plea that the per-foot rate decided by the committee was not substantial and needed to be enhanced. It directed the committee to re-negotiate with the Tech/PCSIR societies' managements, and decided higher rates.

ALLOWANCE: The meeting approved certain changes in the criteria of selecting teachers on the basis of their performance to award incentive allowance.

IRSS: The syndicate also okayed establishment of a department of international relations and strategic studies. The department will offer masters programme in the subject to be followed by M.Phil and PhD semester system courses.

NOMINATION: The syndicate approved the nomination of Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Iqbal (retired), Mukhtar Masood and Seema Aziz as members of the university selection board.

It also passed a resolution, requesting the chancellor to extend the term of Mr Iqbal in view of his contributions.

The syndicate members congratulated the VC on his winning the best vice-chancellor award from the Punjab government in connection with the Madr-i-Millat year. The PU had won all the nine awards for extraordinary performance in higher education.

Earlier in his address of welcome, Arshad Mahmood informed the syndicate about the working of Inter-University Faculty Boards and restructuring of faculties. He said the university was working to split the existing faculties to make those more manageable.