Our Correspondent
In light of escalating financial concerns, Pakistani universities are being urged to transition from traditional in-person meetings to virtual platforms like Zoom. This shift aims to reduce substantial expenses associated with travel allowances (TA/DA), fuel consumption, and honoraria for attendees, including bureaucrats who participate in various university meetings.
Currently, officials such as deputy secretaries of finance attend multiple university meetings weekly, receiving daily allowances and other remunerations. These frequent gatherings, sometimes scheduled on weekends, impose a significant financial burden on university budgets.
To address these challenges, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has been proactive in promoting digital solutions. In 2020, the HEC collaborated with Microsoft to deploy Microsoft Teams across more than 100 public and private universities, facilitating remote learning and administrative interactions.
Additionally, institutions like the University of the Punjab have established dedicated video conferencing facilities to connect with other universities, both nationally and internationally. These initiatives are part of a broader effort to enhance communication and reduce costs through technology.
The Pakistan Education & Research Network (PERN) also offers a National Video Conferencing Network (NVCN), providing state-of-the-art video conferencing services to public sector higher education institutions. This network supports interactive communication, distance learning, and administrative meetings, contributing to cost savings and improved efficiency.
By fully embracing these virtual platforms, universities can significantly cut down on unnecessary expenditures, ensuring that funds are allocated more effectively towards enhancing educational quality and resources.
