Higher Education Funding: MUTA Demands Bigger HEC Budget
Higher Education Funding has become a key issue after the federal budget 2026-27 allocated limited resources for universities. The Mehran University Teachers Association (MUTA) has criticized the budget and called for immediate action. The association says universities need stronger financial support to maintain academic standards and research activities. Therefore, it has warned of launching a protest movement if the government does not address its demands.
MUTA Urges Government to Increase HEC Allocation
MUTA President Dr Nafees Ahmed Memon and General Secretary Dr Arshad Memon expressed concern over the proposed budget. They urged the government to double the recurring grant for the Higher Education Commission (HEC). The federal budget has allocated Rs66.4 billion for the HEC. However, the association wants the amount increased to Rs130 billion.
According to MUTA leaders, the HEC originally sought Rs138 billion from the government. Later, it revised its demand and requested at least Rs100 billion. They argued that universities cannot improve teaching quality, research output, and student services without adequate funding. In addition, they asked the government to increase education spending to 4% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) over the next five years.
The association also highlighted examples from neighboring countries. For instance, Bhutan spends 5.8% of its GDP on education, while Maldives allocates 5.2%. As a result, MUTA believes Pakistan should increase its investment in the education sector.
Teachers Demand Tax Relief and Policy Reforms
MUTA also demanded the restoration of a 75% tax rebate for university teachers and researchers. The government reduced the rebate in 2013 and later abolished it in 2025. Consequently, many academics now face greater financial pressure.
Furthermore, the association called for salary revisions under the Tenure Track System (TTS). It also demanded a uniform promotion policy for employees under the Basic Pay Scale (BPS) system. Dr Memon said inflation and currency depreciation have significantly reduced the value of HEC grants. Therefore, universities continue to face serious financial and operational challenges.
