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Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
SHEC's CIEC Chairman urges universities to enhance internal revenue amid budget constraints
HYDERABAD: Dr Sarosh Hashmat Lodi, Chairman of the Charter Inspection and Evaluation Committee (CIEC) of the Sindh Higher Education Commission (SHEC) and former Vice-Chancellor of NED University Karachi, has emphasized the need for public sector universities to reduce expenditures and explore internal revenue streams to navigate growing financial challenges. Speaking at a dinner hosted in his honour at Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tandojam, Dr Lodi pointed out that while the federal government has not increased university budgets over the past eight years, the Sindh government has stepped up with a proposed allocation of Rs42 billion for provincial universities. However, he warned that fiscal challenges are likely to intensify, urging universities to adopt more sustainable financial strategies. 'Increasing student fees is not a viable option for public sector universities, as they are often the only accessible avenue for quality education for students from underprivileged backgrounds,' he said. 'In my new role, I am committed to supporting the enhancement of academic and research standards across institutions, along with addressing structural and operational issues.' Dr Lodi also highlighted the vital role of universities in producing leadership across all sectors and called for efforts that yield long-term, generational benefits for the country. Speaking on the occasion, Meritorious Professor and former Vice Chancellor of SAU, Dr A Q Mughal, praised Dr Lodi's financial reforms at NED University, which have contributed significantly to its current financial stability. He noted that Dr Lodi has been a consistent supporter of universities across Sindh, facilitating improvements and institutional strengthening. SAU Vice Chancellor Dr Altaf Ali Siyal shared that the university is currently grappling with financial constraints. 'A special grant request of Rs670 million has been submitted to the Sindh Government and SHEC to clear outstanding gratuities of retired staff since 2022,' he informed. Dr Siyal acknowledged Dr Lodi's instrumental role in resolving key issues at SAU, including the long-standing delay in promotions of meritorious professors. He expressed hope that university graduates would be able to secure viable market opportunities and emerge as successful entrepreneurs in the evolving job market. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
16-03-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Poultry prices surge despite unchanged official list
A greengrocer displays vegetable prices outside his shop at Chowk Rustam Park in Lahore. photo: app LAHORE The local administration is struggling to enforce the official poultry prices with farmers selling live birds at self-determined rates, leading to a sharp increase in chicken meat prices. Official rate lists appear outdated amid the daily price fluctuations faced by the consumers. For the fourth consecutive week, the official chicken meat price remained Rs397-411 per kilogram, yet market rates ranged from Rs600 to Rs670 per kg. The official price for whole chicken was Rs595 but consumers paid Rs750-800 per kg, with boneless cuts reaching Rs1,100-1,200 per kg. Price hikes extended beyond poultry, with inflationary pressure on fruits, vegetables and other meats. Potatoes, officially priced at Rs50-55 per kg for A-grade, Rs40-45 for B-grade and Rs35-38 for C-grade, were sold at Rs80-100. Onion prices slightly dropped, but the A-grade variety, set at Rs45-50 per kg, retailed at Rs80 per kg. Tomatoes rose by Rs10 per kg, with the A-grade variety priced at Rs55-60 but sold at Rs120-140 per kg. Garlic and ginger prices remained volatile. The local garlic variety dropped by Rs30 per kg to Rs270-280 but sold for Rs350 per kg. Chinese garlic, fixed at Rs595-610, was available at Rs800-900 per kg. Ginger prices surged with the Thai and Chinese varieties rising by Rs10 per kg, officially set at Rs370-385 but reaching Rs450-600 in the markets. Several vegetables saw price manipulation with capsicum, cauliflower and cabbage overpriced. Fruit prices were similarly inflated. Apples, officially priced at Rs170-325 per kg, were sold at Rs250-600 per kg. Bananas, set at Rs250-260, were available for Rs350-400 per dozen. Guavas remained officially priced at Rs160-220 per kg but sold for up to Rs300 per kg. Kinow prices increased by Rs5 per dozen, officially Rs185-430 but sold for Rs400-600 per dozen. Pomegranates were sold at steep rates, with the Danaydar variety set at Rs425-445 but available for Rs600-800 per kg. Dates, officially set at Rs425-465 per kg, were sold for Rs750-2,000 per kg.
