ISLAMABAD: A Senate panel on Tuesday directed the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) to furnish a written reply on the six-point questionnaire within 10 days so that probe regarding embezzlement allegations can be concluded.
Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training recently formed a subcommittee headed by Senator Kamran Murtaza to investigate and identify NAVTTC’s partner institutions allegedly involved in embezzlement and trace those responsible.
The main committee formed the subcommittee when a student recently alleged that they were receiving only Rs1,500 for training courses.
It is relevant to note here that recently auditors had also raised serious objections on the affairs of NAVTTC.
The annual budget of NAVTTC stands at Rs7 billion and according to the commission, on an average, expenditure per student ranges from Rs80,000 to Rs140,000. It said a joint account was established between NAVTTC and the concerned institution after approval from the steering committee, and that the budget was disbursed directly to institutions for training courses.
Meanwhile, the subcommittee on Tuesday continued its scrutiny as part of its ongoing review of governance, financial management, and programme performance in the technical and vocational education sector.
The meeting was presided over by Senator Kamran Murtaza, while Senator Rana Mahmoodul Hassan, the mover of the agenda, attended the sitting and presented a six-point questionnaire to officials of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training and NAVTTC, seeking detailed clarifications on key operational and performance-related matters.
Officials of NAVTTC informed the subcommittee that the complainant did not respond to repeated attempts by NAVTTC officials to establish contact through official calls and email correspondence. The committee took note of the submission.
Following discussion on the questionnaire, the presiding officer directed the ministry and NAVTTC to submit comprehensive written replies, along with supporting documentation, within 10 days for further examination by the subcommittee.
NAVTTC officials also submitted information and data that had been requisitioned during the previous meeting of the subcommittee. The nembers said the material would be reviewed in detail during subsequent proceedings.
Reaffirming the subcommittee’s mandate, Senator Kamran Murtaza emphasised the importance of transparency, evidence-based assessment, and effective parliamentary oversight to strengthen institutional performance and ensure equitable outcomes nationwide.
The meeting concluded with directions for timely compliance with the committee’s instructions, and the matter was deferred to the next sitting for further consideration.
