FAISALABAD: The administration of Government College University, Faisalabad, has given Eid bonus to a select staff at a time when the federal and the provincial governments want public sector institutions to exercise financial restraint.

A university official who wished not to be named said a majority of the beneficiaries were deserving people due to low salaries and bonus had been issued to help them observe Eid. He had no answer when asked why the university administration had ignored dozens of gardeners, office boys and other lower grade staff. A senior official said a majority of the blue-eyed people had been given the bonus.

University treasurer Mr Akbar said: “The honorariam equal to one basic pay has been paid to GCUF ‘s admin and teaching staff employees as an incentive based on performance duly recommended by respective heads of departments/Incharge officers. It is in line with government financial rules. All formalities have strictly been fulfilled.”

When asked if the government has approved the honorarium when it is facing severe financial crisis, he replied that university was an autonomous body and government rules allowed two basic pays as honorarium but the GCUF gave only one salary.

He said the finance department even paid its employees up to four basic pays. He did not give the exact amount paid and the names of beneficiaries.

When Dawn contacted a couple of departmental heads, they said their recommendation was never sought.

The acting vice chancellor and university spokesperson did not respond to phone calls and Whatsapp messages.

Published in Dawn, June 3rd, 2019