Prof Ahluwalia Gets AU$500,000

Allegations have surfaced that University of the South Pa­cific Vice-Chancellor Profes­sor Pal Ahluwalia is paid AU$500,000 (FJ$778,455).

Documents shown to the Fiji Sun also revealed that while Professor Ahluwalia is based in Samoa, he was not paid in Sa­moan Tala, but instead has opted to be paid in Australian dollars.

This payment of AU$500,000 (FJ$778,455) is a huge leap from what he was getting paid while he wasin Fiji.

His salary in Fiji was FJ$534,000. He had other benefits such as housing al­lowance, etc, paid while he was staying on campus.

Professor Ahluwalia’s increment comes after USP has adopted a wide range of cost cutting measures.

While in Samoa, Professor Ahluwalia is staying at the Taumeasina Island Re­sort. It is unclear whether USP pays for his stay at the Island Resort.

The most affordable rate at the re­sort is AU$396.97 (FJ$618.05) per night. Their waterfront three bedroom villa is AU$1034.22 (FJ$1610.19) per night. The lone island resort in Samoa also offers the option of long term stay.

Questions on why Professor Ahluwalia was being paid in Australian Dollars and why he was given this increase when USP has seen financial struggles in recent months were sent to: Pro-Chan­cellor and chair of Council Hilda Cathy Heine, Deputy pro-chancellor Pat Walsh and Professor Ahluwalia.

There was no response when this edi­tion went to press.

Questions were also sent to the USP Communications Department. They too remained unanswered when this edition went to press.

Feedback: wati.talebula@fijisun.com.fj