ISLAMABAD, July 19: The syndicate of the University of Arid Agriculture (UAA) has unanimously approved its surplus annual budget of Rs187 million, Dawn has learnt. The budget was presented by the university's treasurer, and endorsed by the syndicate, which was holding its 31st meeting on Saturday.

The meeting was presided over by the UAA vice-chancellor, Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood Khan, which after critical evaluation of various estimates and detailed deliberations approved the budget.

The estimates carried out by the departments concerned have shown Rs187.785 million as the university's annual income against Rs183.315 million as its expenditures, revealing a surplus of Rs4.47 million.

The syndicate also approved allocations amounting to over Rs102.3 million for development projects, including establishment of centralized analytical laboratory, cloning, establishment of department of range management and forestry and strengthening of department of soil science and soil and water conservation.

Other projects include production of pathogen-free horticultural plants, construction of hostel for visiting faculty, a hostel for students and construction of 18 flats for employees of BS-1 to Bs-15, six flats for BS-16 and 17 and two houses for faculty members of BS-18 and 19 on the university premises to be executed during the financial year 2004-05.

The senior representatives of the finance, agriculture and livestock departments of the Punjab, who were present in the meeting, acknowledged the contribution and efforts of the university administration for carrying out such worthy projects.