Protests halt academic activities in Sindh universities for almost a month

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KARACHI: Protests against the proposed amendments in Sindh government Sindh Universities and Institute Lots Act, 2018, have been going on since January 6, which has effectively stopped educational activities in all the government universities of the province.

Teachers and educational professionals see a negative change in the leadership structure of higher education institutions.

The controversial bill tries to allow bureaucrats and other non -educational officials, in addition to professors, as deputy chancellors of universities (VCS).

Experts argue that this change offends higher education, as people with no background in research or academic investigations can primarily guide research -driven institutions, in which university ratings Mainly based on research production.

Without any research credentials, the appointment of VC with a master’s degree only raises concerns about the ability to effectively handle the academic and research matters of such individuals.

Initially, under the bill, VC candidates needed a PhD. However, after reviewing by the Standing Committee, this requirement was eliminated.

Now, candidates only need a master’s degree, meaning that engineering can be VC with masters in engineering at the University of Engineering, someone led by a common university can be added to the arts in the master, and a medical The university can be run by an individual with a basic. Master degree in the relevant field.

The Sindh government claims that the bill is designed to improve the university administration. In a recent speech, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah argued that many VC and board chairperson appointed in the past have faced allegations of corruption and harassment.

The government believes that the appointment of administrators from different backgrounds will improve the rule of higher education institutions. However, the Chief Minister also made it clear that the professors would still be eligible to apply for the VC position under the new framework.

However, experts in the field of education reject this argument. They argue that bureaucrats are not protected from corruption allegations, asking whether other government departments in Sindh are free from mismanagement and financial irregularities.

This bill has led to a massive interruption in universities of Sindh. The University of Karachi, which is usually stirred with the students, now looks deserted, as classes have been suspended for days. This disruption is not limited to the University of Karachi-public universities across the province are non-operational.

The time for the protest is especially relevant, as the students just started their academic year. After the class is suspended, students are afraid that they will be behind their coursework, making it difficult to prepare the exams. The uncertainty of the situation has upset students about their education and the future.

During a recent press conference, the Minister of Information Sharjeel Memon was asked whether the professors – the key stakeholders of higher education – were consulted before drafting the bill. Critics say changes in the major policy affecting universities should be involved in talks with faculty members to ensure informed decision -making.

In 2018, the authority on universities and boards was transferred from the Governor of Sindh to the Chief Minister’s Office. The move delayed key appointments.

Experts are now concerned that instead of dealing with current failures, the government is opening a new Pandora box.

Since then, VCS, finance directors, and board chairperson have not been appointed on time, and even after 15 years, the controllers, secretaries and auditors are missing from the Sindh Education Board. Despite 15 years since the previous amendments, timely appointments have not been ensured.

Professors and faculty members say they were never consulted on the matter. Meanwhile, students who come to campus every day, instead of participating in lectures, roam themselves in the hallways. Many people did nothing all day before doing it on the campus.

Teachers acknowledge students’ concerns, when promises to cover the lost curriculum after classes are resumed. However, the basic educational process, which includes regular lectures and courses, has been completely suspended. The research work is underway in some capacity, but all degree programs from undergraduate to PhD levels are currently being stopped.

Despite opposition, the Sindh government is determined to pass the bill. The Chief Minister has already said that this legislation will be implemented, and it will be argued that the government knows what is good for the education sector.

However, the government should engage in dialogue with professors to address the minimal, legitimate concerns.