Punjab HEC Proposes Salary Hike for Officers and Staff. The Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) has proposed a major salary increase for its officers and staff. According to reports, the proposed increase ranges between 75 percent and 85 percent. The news was reported by 24NewsHD on January 28, 2026. The proposal has quickly gained attention across Punjab, especially due to ongoing financial pressure on public sectors.
Proposed Salary Structure for Senior Officials
Under the proposed plan, senior officers of Punjab HEC would receive very high monthly salaries. The Director is expected to earn around Rs700,000 per month, while the Director General would receive approximately Rs647,000 per month. Other senior officials may earn salaries ranging from Rs400,000 to Rs600,000 per month. These figures are much higher than standard government pay scales.
Annual Cost of the Salary Increase
The proposed salary hike would place a heavy burden on the provincial budget. Estimates suggest that the increase would cost Rs280 to Rs300 million annually. This large amount would be spent on only 114 employees. Many experts believe this spending is excessive, especially when the province is struggling to fund essential sectors like education, health, and infrastructure.
Concerns Over Approval Process
Another major concern is that the proposal is reportedly moving forward without approval from the Finance Department. It also lacks formal clearance from the Higher Education Department. In the past, similar salary increases were blocked by finance officials due to rule violations. This raises questions about transparency and compliance with government procedures.
Existing Benefits for PHEC Employees
Punjab HEC employees already enjoy several financial benefits. These include a 150-liter monthly fuel allowance, comprehensive medical coverage, and a 20 percent annual salary increment. Due to these perks, their total compensation is already higher than many other provincial government officers in similar positions.
Comparison With Other Public Sector Employees
Many government departments in Punjab are facing budget shortages. Teachers have demanded salary increases for years. Hospitals struggle to buy basic medical supplies. Development projects are often delayed due to lack of funds. In this situation, a large salary hike for a small group of employees has raised serious fairness concerns.
Public Reaction and Criticism
The proposal has faced strong criticism from economists, education experts, and the general public. Critics argue that the salary hike could further strain Punjab’s limited financial resources. Many believe public funds should be used to improve education quality, support students, and strengthen institutions rather than increasing salaries at the top.
Impact on Punjab Education Sector
Punjab education sector is already under financial stress. Public universities face funding shortages. Research programs lack proper support. Student facilities need improvement. Allocating hundreds of millions of rupees to salary increases may reduce funds available for long-term educational development.
Conclusion
The proposed salary hike by Punjab HEC has sparked a serious debate. While fair compensation is important, the scale, timing, and approval process of this proposal raise important questions. With limited resources and growing public needs, the Punjab government must carefully evaluate its priorities before making a final decision.
