Punjab HEC Proposes Salary Increase for Officers and Staff

The Punjab Higher Education Commission has proposed a substantial salary increase for its officers and staff, suggesting raises ranging from 75 percent to 85 percent. Reported on January 28, 2026, the proposal has attracted widespread attention across Punjab, particularly at a time when public sector institutions are facing mounting financial pressure and budget constraints.

Under the proposed salary structure, senior officials of the Punjab HEC would receive significantly higher monthly pay compared to standard government scales. The Director is expected to earn around Rs700,000 per month, while the Director General’s salary is projected at approximately Rs647,000. Other senior officers could receive between Rs400,000 and Rs600,000 per month, figures that far exceed the compensation of many comparable public sector roles.

The financial impact of the proposal is estimated at Rs280 to Rs300 million annually, a sizeable burden on the provincial budget that would cover only 114 employees. Analysts and experts have raised concerns that such spending is disproportionate, especially when critical sectors like education, healthcare and infrastructure are struggling to secure adequate funding.

Questions have also been raised about the approval process, as reports suggest the proposal is moving forward without clearance from the Finance Department or formal approval from the Higher Education Department. In the past, similar initiatives were reportedly blocked due to procedural and regulatory issues, intensifying concerns about transparency and compliance with government rules.

Punjab HEC employees already receive multiple benefits, including a monthly fuel allowance of 150 liters, comprehensive medical coverage and a 20 percent annual salary increment. When combined, these perks place their overall compensation above that of many other provincial government employees holding similar positions.

The proposal has further fueled debate when compared to the broader public sector situation in Punjab. Many departments are facing severe budget shortages, teachers have long demanded pay raises, hospitals struggle to procure basic supplies and development projects are frequently delayed due to lack of funds. Against this backdrop, a large salary increase for a limited group of employees has triggered questions about equity and fiscal responsibility.

Public reaction has been largely critical, with economists, education specialists and citizens arguing that the proposed hike could place additional strain on Punjab’s already limited financial resources. Critics contend that public funds would be better spent on improving education quality, supporting students, strengthening research programs and addressing funding gaps in public universities.

As Punjab’s education sector continues to face financial stress, with underfunded institutions and inadequate student facilities, allocating hundreds of millions of rupees to salary increases risks diverting resources away from long-term educational development. The proposal has therefore sparked a broader debate on priorities, accountability and the sustainable use of public funds, leaving the provincial government under pressure to carefully weigh its final decision.