Punjabi University admission cell staff may continue to get extra pay

Ravneet Singh

Tribune News Service

Patiala, June 4

Punjabi University is likely to continue with the practice of providing extra remuneration to staff working at the Admission Cell for the admission process.

The move comes at a time when nearly all employees at various departments have been sitting idle since the lockdown.

A letter regarding the same by Admission Cell officials is pending with the Vice-Chancellor (VC) Dr BS Ghuman for approval.

As per the proposal, the co-ordinator of the cell will be paid extra benefits of Rs70,000 apart from the salary. The other members, including co-coordinators, co-coordinators (computer applications), advisors, in-charge (computer operations), technical staff and administrative staff will be paid as per already defined percentage of the coordinator’s remuneration.

The university, which stands short of Rs291 crore, as per the current year’s budget, has also formulated a committee to look into its financial condition.

A professor, on the condition of anonymity, said, “There is no sense in providing extra pay to employees for working at any of its centres. The university can depute employees as per its needs. Considering the poor financial condition of the university and losses incurred due to Covid-19 pandemic, the step will add to university’s financial woes.”

Dr Yograj, Head of the Punjabi Language Development Department and a member of the committee, said, “Such extra payments are totally wrong. Why should the university pay extra from its already empty coffers? We have raised the matter with senior officials of the university.”

Dr Jaswinder Brar, president, PUTA, said, “The honorariums paid to teaching or non-teaching staff at the admission cell are unfair. It must be stopped immediately.”

The VC said he’s not aware of the modalities of the working of the Admission Cell. When contacted, Dr Manjit, co-ordinator, admission cell, said he was busy in a meeting.