SARGODHA: The Syndicate of the University of Sargodha (UoS) has approved the varsity’s budget worth Rs4.5 billion for the financial year 2018-19.

The approval was granted during the third Syndicate meeting of the current year held under Vice Chancellor Dr Ishtiaq Ahmad.

Out of the total budget amount, Rs847 million will be spent on developmental projects, while Rs3.6 billion has been allocated for recurring expenditure.

Other salient features of the budget include allocation of Rs30 million for the internship programmes especially designed for fresh graduates of the varsity.

The body has decided to announce 100 full-time and 50 part-time internships for the students enrolled for a period of six months duration. Under the programme, Rs20,000 per month stipend will be paid to the full-time interns, while the part-time ones will get Rs10,000 per month.

Moreover, the body has accorded Rs200 million for establishment of the university management information system in which Rs27m will be funded by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan. The remaining Rs173 millions will be generated from the varsity’s own resources.

The meeting also approved 10 percent raise in the salaries of university employees in line with the federal and provincial budgets.

The body also recommended adoption of the Punjab government rules and regulations for pension and salary along with the death grant for the varsity employees who die during service.

It also approved adoption of standard pay package allowed by the government during the hiring under Public Sector Deve­lop­ment Programme (PSDP).

The meeting approved Rs65m for the purchase of land for an approach road to the varsity’s engineering college.

It also approved Rs.8m to further improve security of the campus. The amount will be spent on installation of biometric system, CCTV cameras and GPS system on the campus.

Published in Dawn, August 6th, 2018