LAHORE - A meeting of Punjab University syndicate presided over by Vice Chancellor Dr Mujahid Kamran yesterday approved Rs7.727 billion budget for the year 2016-17.

The university expects a total grant of Rs2.445b from Higher Education Commission, 33 percent of the total budget. To encourage research activities, the university has increased research grant from Rs110-120 million.

The PU syndicate approved the proposal of authorities not to increase tuition fee of on campus university students.

The syndicate also approved recommendations to complete university selection board and approved increments of teachers on tenure track system.

Under the historic initiative taken by Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Mujahid Kamran, the university will continue to facilitate Balochistani students by offering free education, free boarding facilities and Rs3,000 stipend per month (each student) in the next year.

According to other salient features of the budget, special students will be provided with free education along with boarding facilities while students taking admission on sports basis will be provided with free education.

The university will continue to waive off tuition fee of Hafiz-e-Quran.

The university has also allocated Rs70 million for overseas scholarships and Rs70m for participation in national and international conferences. In order to facilitate students, the PU is providing funds of Rs100m to its students in terms of scholarships, student affairs and career counseling and other activities.

Moreover, HEC scholarships worth 80 million rupees and PEEF scholarships will also be provided to students. The PU is providing Rs200 million Hostel subsidy, Rs33m Transport Subsidy and Rs6.5m Internet Subsidy to students. The net subsidy on the mentioned services has been increased from Rs221m to Rs230m and in addition to the above, subsidy on electricity bills in teaching departments is also being provided.

Another Rs410 million have been allocated for development projects.