One of the top trends with the hashtag #InvestigateAllUniversities calls for probe into financial corruption at public sector universities. Students have petitioned the concerned authorities to check rampant financial irregularities at campuses across the country and demanded a systematic financial audit of all universities. Mainly, probe has been demanded into the misuse of funds, appointment on key posts in violation of merit and massive perks and privileges enjoyed by top officials.
A valid point has been raised by young scholars about the prevalent wrongdoings on campuses–the places where moral principles are taught and young generations are prepared to lead the future. The educational institutions need to act as a role model for other departments by implementing a check and balance system but their indulgence in corruption predicts a bleak future for the country. Pathetically, there is a long list of wrongdoings, misuse of power, resources and blatant violations of rules in the education sector.
There are universities that do not have buildings, do not engage in extracurricular activities, do not have any lab; still they have set up franchises in plazas while playing with the future of young generation. It is not a secret that hefty amounts are received during admission by the staff of universities. Reportedly, in January this year, the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) detected over 4,500 illegal appointments in 12 public sector universities in Punjab only, which were made during the last 10 years.
Unfortunately, the public sector universities have become corporate entities whose basic purpose has become accumulation of wealth instead of dissemination of knowledge. The level of rampant corruption in the education sector is beyond imagination. From public sector universities to private education mafia, there are stories of unchecked corruption and extortion in the name of fee and other educational expenditures. Our students deserve quality education with transparency. The education ministry needs to pay heed to the valid point raised by students for a transparent audit of all public sector universities on a regular basis as well as evolving a mechanism to monitor the working of private universities and institutions.
