Muhammad Irfan Mughal
By Our Correspondent 2022-09-27
DERA ISMAIL KHAN:The Gomal University`s syndicate has approved the provincial cabinet`s decision on the transfer of the varsity`s many departments with the newly-formed University of Agriculture, Dera Ismail Khan, besides the transfer of resources.
The development comes amid fears of an imminent administrative crisis at the Gomal University.
The Gomal University`s faculty members insist that the transfer of the university`s departments tothe Agriculture University will leave the former`s all key administrative posts vacant.
The syndicate held its 122nd meeting with VC Prof Masroor Elahi Babar in the chair.
According to an official handout, the syndicate gave formal consent to the decisions of the provincial cabinet about `asset distribution` between the Gomal University and the newly-formed University of Agriculture, Dera IsmailKhan.
Currently, the additional charge of the GU`s vice-chancellor is held by the University of Agriculture VC, Prof Masroor Elahi Babar, as Prof Iftikhar Ahmad has been sent on forced leave by the chancellor and acting governor, Mushtaq Ghani.
The syndicate decided that the assets of Gomal University,includ-ing the Veterinary College of Animal Sciences, would be given to the University of Agriculture, while the administration officers at key positions would be transferred to the University of Agriculture along with their equipment and supplies.
Employees of the Department of Agriculture at the Institute of Food Sciences, Gomal Centre for Biochemistry and Biotechnology in the Gomal University, who were promoted by a selection board af ter the court`s decision regarding the selection board of GCBB, will be transferred to the University of Agriculture with new posts.
Gomal University Registrar Dr Naimatullah Babar, Deputy Registrar Dr Ihtramullah, Controller of Examinations Dr Safdar Baloch, University`s sole Dean Dr Shakibullah ofVeterinary College of Animal Sciences and many other officers holding key positions will also be transferred to the University of Agriculture.
The employees insist that after the `distribution of the Gomal University assets`, almost all posts, including those of the vice-chancellor, will fall vacant in Gomal University causing an administrative crisis on campus.
They told Dawn current and former employees of the Gomal University didn`t get due payments due to the financial crisis of the university.
The syndicate also decided that the Asset Distribution Committee would fully empowered to transfer all assets from the Gomal University to the agriculture university.
`The of ficials transferred to theUniversity of Agriculture will go with their current posts (as in Gomal University) and the employees working on contract in related departments which will be mentioned by the Asset Distribution Committee will also be transferred to the University of Agriculture, DI Khan. However, the employees who have received pension during this period will all be considered as retired and will be paid pension by Gomal University which is equivalent to putting the financial burden of Agriculture University on Gomal University.
Syndicate Member retired Justice Mohammad Daud Khan opposed the transfer of employees saying the staf f members who were now going to be the employees of agriculture university should have been kept in the pay grade, which they were in last year.
