THIS is with reference to the report ‘Teachers call for unity to fight univer-sities amendment law’ (Feb 7) related to the ongoing rift between the Sindh government and university teachers across the province over the Sindh Universities and Institutes Laws (Amendment) Act. Despite stiff opposition by faculty mem-bers, the government seems determined to push ahead with its plan.

Through the amendment, not only PhD professors working in universities, but also senior bureaucrats of BPS 21-22 and PhD holders with 15 years of experience working in various institutions, including government, non-government and private organisations, have been declared eligible to apply for the position of vice-chancellor of universities in Sindh.

Why was such an amendment needed? This is a critical question. I believe that if the search committees appointed from time to time had consisted of competent, honest and impartial members, and had been given a free hand, this amendment might not have been necessary at all.

If vice-chancellors were not subjected to pressure and interference from various unions, staff, officers and faculty, they could have performed their duties more effectively. If faculty members had focussed solely on their primary responsibilities — teaching and research — this amen-dment might not have been needed.

Had the vice-chancellors not treated universities as their fiefdoms, and had made all decisions based purely on merit, the government might not have felt the need for such an amendment.

The financial affairs, recruitments and promotions in universities must be thoroughly audited. Now, doors remain open for senior professors as well. Based on their education, experience, compe-tence and reputation, they can compete with bureaucrats and prove themselves superior.

The majority of bureaucrats do not enjoy a good reputation among the public. They will face a tough challenge and will have to prove that they are truly qualified for this position. The vice-chancellor-ship is no bed of roses. They will not have the freedom to do as they please.

Dr Mehboob Shaikh
Karachi

Published in Dawn, February 9th, 2025