Wheelchair distribution faces scrutiny
The caretaker government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) has initiated an inquiry into allegations of corruption and improper distribution of wheelchairs and sewing machines to influential individuals in Khyber district.
The district social welfare officer has been summoned to provide an explanation regarding these claims.
Additionally, the Directorate of Merged Districts and the Frontier Region have been instructed to submit a comprehensive performance report spanning three years.
Salma Begum, the special assistant to the chief minister for zakat and ushr, social welfare, special education, and development of women, has issued strict directives to the relevant officers of the Directorate of Social Welfare for the merged districts.
She emphasised the need to expedite social activities in the merged tribal districts and ensure that the beneficiaries receive genuine assistance.
During an emergency meeting of the Directorate of Social Welfare and Districts, chaired by Salma, the officials discussed the ongoing issues.
The special assistant expressed dissatisfaction with the department's performance in the merged districts and requested a three-year performance report for both the tribal districts and the frontier regions from the Directorate of Merged Districts.
She emphasised that the performance of the Social Welfare Directorate in the merged districts is unsatisfactory when compared to the planned districts, and emphasised the need for improvement.
Furthermore, she suggested that the records of all beneficiaries should be computerised in the future to enhance the efficiency of the social welfare department. This would enable a larger number of beneficiaries to benefit from the department's services and ensure that their rights are genuinely upheld.
Salma also reiterated that the social welfare department primarily serves economically disadvantaged individuals, the needy, widows, and disabled members of society. She urged all officers to carry out their duties efficiently in order to fulfill the department's mandate.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 11th, 2023.