By : Mustafa Kamal
SWABI: Allegations of mismanagement and possible financial irregularities have emerged from a vocational training programme held in Dagai under the government’s “Ba-Ikhtiyar Khawateen” (Empowered Women) initiative, with participants claiming that promised Android smartphones and trainee allowances were not provided as expected.
According to affected women and local sources, participants were told they would receive Android smartphones during the training programme to support digital skills development and help them pursue online work opportunities. However, at the conclusion of the programme, they were reportedly given basic Ufone keypad phones instead.
The participants said the phones provided to them do not support the digital applications and online tools associated with the training, raising questions about whether the programme’s stated objective of developing digital skills among women was achieved.
Questions Raised Over Trainee Allowances
Allegations have also been raised regarding funds allocated for refreshments and daily allowances for the participating women.
Some local residents and participants claim the allocated funds were not distributed transparently and allege that portions of the money were distributed among individuals associated with the organisers. These allegations have not been independently verified.
The affected women have called for details of the programme’s budget and expenditure to be made public so that the use of funds can be independently assessed.
Provincial Minister Attends Closing Ceremony
The closing ceremony was attended by the provincial minister for Labour, who distributed mobile phones among the participants and expressed satisfaction with the programme.
AAC Razr also distributed certificates to the women who completed the training.
Residents, however, have questioned whether the programme delivered the facilities and digital resources originally promised to participants. They allege that greater emphasis was placed on publicity and photographs with visiting officials than on providing the trainees with the resources required for meaningful skills development.
Calls for Transparent Inquiry
Affected women and local residents have appealed to the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary and anti-corruption authorities to take notice of the allegations and conduct a transparent inquiry.
They have demanded that the programme’s financial records, procurement details and distribution of allowances and mobile phones be reviewed. They have also called for the promised Android smartphones and any outstanding allowances to be provided to eligible participants if the allegations are substantiated.
The allegations remain subject to verification, and the relevant government departments and programme organisers have not, in the information provided, issued a detailed response to the claims.
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