FAISALABAD: The Government College for Women University has dispensed with the services of some research assistants for not fulfilling the job criteria, however, nothing is being done against a deputy registrar who is also facing the same charges and Syndicate has also ordered his removal.

A university employee moved the Higher Education Department (HED) about the appointment of deputy registrar Muhammad Iqbal Hussain calling it illegal.

He said the prescribed criteria for the post was MA/MSc,at least second division/MBA at least B grade with eight years teaching/ administrative experience, preferably with a law degree or an MEd with specialisation in Education Management & Planning (at least 2nd division) with eight years teaching/administrative experience, preferably with a law degree.

The prescribed criteria for the post is MA/MSc/MBA with eight years of teaching/administrative experience.

Mr Hussain holds a degree of ‘MBA (executive) that is 16 years of education with 2.56 CGPA.

Subsequently, the HED formed a probe committee on Oct 24 last, which mentioned that “... Mr Hussain did not fulfill the criteria prescribed and advertised in the national press for appointment as Deputy Registrar (BS-18)”.

On Jan 23, the HED directed the university administration to place the matter before the Syndicate, which in its 9th meeting on June 16 imposed ‘Removal from Service’ upon him in terms of Section 4(b)(v) of Peeda Act 2006.

The Syndicate directions have not brought about any change to Mr Hussain’s job status, whereas the case of research assistants was also discussed in the 8th Syndicate meeting on Oct 1, 2019.

These assistants were recruited in the university as research/teaching assistants on a regular basis in 2018. The prescribed qualification was MA/M.Sc 1st division from a recognized university.

A few of the assistants had a higher degree like MPhil first division but master with the second division.

The University Audit observed that these assistants did not fulfill the prescribed qualificationand the Syndicate directed the university to seek the advice of the regulation wing of the Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD).

The S&GAD said that “In the instant case, the required qualifications for the post of research/teaching assistant is MA/M.Sc, 1st division, therefore. the candidate having a degree in MA/MSc, 2nd division, cannot be eligible for the post”.

Following the advice, the Syndicate asked the university administration to dispense with the services of the research/teaching assistants and in July last it had been done.

Sources said following the Syndicate decision, Vice Chancellor (VC) Dr Robina Ashraf stopped the salary of Mr Hussain which was later restored.

On Feb 12, the VC said with the matter was with the high court. When asked ifthe high court had granted him any stay order, she chose to remain mum.

Published in Dawn, February 18th, 2021