ISLAMABAD: A sub-committee of the
Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training has
sought an intelligence-based inquiry into alleged financial and administrative
irregularities in the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission
(NAVTTC) over the past five years.
Senator Rana Mahmood-ul-Hassan, mover of the agenda of
the sub-committee, has formally requested the Intelligence Bureau (IB) to
conduct a discreet, fair and comprehensive inquiry into the functioning,
transparency, financial management, selection criteria, third-party evaluation
mechanisms and performance outcomes of NAVTTC.
The request follows a preliminary review and feedback
from stakeholders, during which serious concerns and allegations regarding the
commission's operations reportedly came to light.
According to the letter, substantial funds are allocated
on a per-student basis under government-approved frameworks for vocational and
technical training programmes. However, allegations have emerged regarding
irregularities in the disbursement, utilization and monitoring of these funds,
including possible misappropriation involving certain officials and
intermediaries.
The sub-committee has also raised concerns over the
alleged unauthorized collection of fees from trainees. Reports suggest that
trainees may have been charged amounts in the name of registration or
administrative arrangements, prompting questions about whether such collections
were made in accordance with established procedures.
Another major concern highlighted by the sub-committee
relates to employment commitments associated with vocational training
programmes. Training institutions are required under policy guidelines to
achieve defined employment outcomes for trainees. However, preliminary
information suggests that these benchmarks may not have been adequately met,
raising questions about the effectiveness of existing monitoring and
accountability mechanisms.
The letter further points to potential weaknesses in
NAVTTC's regulatory and oversight framework, particularly with regard to
evaluation procedures, third-party verification and performance audits
conducted during the last five years.
Citing the sub-committee's limited investigative
resources and the seriousness of the allegations, Senator Rana
Mahmood-ul-Hassan requested the Intelligence Bureau to examine the matter. The
inquiry, according to the request, may include verification of financial flows
and allocations made to training institutes, as well as an assessment of any
alleged collusion between officials, agents and external actors.
The proposed inquiry would also examine transparency in
trainee selection and certification processes and compare employment placement
claims made by training institutions with actual outcomes on the ground.
The sub-committee has further asked that systemic
loopholes which may facilitate financial or administrative irregularities be
identified.
According to Senator Rana Mahmood-ul-Hassan, the
Intelligence Bureau's findings and analytical assessment would assist the
sub-committee in making informed recommendations and, where necessary,
proposing corrective legislative or administrative measures to strengthen
institutional integrity and safeguard public funds.
The senator emphasized that the request was not intended
to prejudice any individual or institution, but was aimed at ensuring
transparency and accountability and restoring public confidence in NAVTTC, a
key national institution responsible for youth skills development.
The Intelligence Bureau's response and the outcome of any inquiry could
determine the next course of action by the Senate sub-committee, including
possible recommendations for administrative or legislative reforms.
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