JAMMU, Aug 5: The Shia Federation Province Jammu has reaffirmed its commitment to serving the Shia community through social, educational, charitable and welfare initiatives, while emphasizing democratic governance, transparency and accountability as the guiding principles of the organisation.
Addressing a press conference, Federation President Nazir Hussain Shah said the organisation, established in 2007 and now registered as a society, has been working for the welfare of the community with a non-political and non-profit approach. He said the registration has provided the Federation with a strong legal and institutional foundation to pursue its objectives more effectively.
Shah stated that the Federation aims to promote the social, educational, economic, religious and cultural development of the community, with particular emphasis on the welfare of students. He said the organisation would undertake skill development programmes, career counselling, scholarships, coaching for competitive examinations, professional training, digital literacy initiatives, entrepreneurship promotion and employment-oriented programmes to empower the younger generation.
He added that the Federation would also focus on the welfare of widows, orphans, economically weaker families and other deserving sections of society. Besides educational assistance, the organisation plans to organise health awareness campaigns, blood donation drives, disaster relief activities, youth empowerment programmes and other charitable initiatives.
Highlighting the organisational structure, Shah said the Federation functions through three democratic pillars—the General Body, Executive Body and Majlis-e-Nigran (Advisory Committee). At present, the General Body comprises around 240 registered members representing districts including Poonch, Rajouri, Jammu, Ramban, Samba and Udhampur, with nearly 80 per cent of the membership belonging to Poonch district.
He said the Federation is strengthened by the presence of professionals from diverse fields, including KAS and KPS officers, retired officials, university and college professors, doctors, engineers, advocates, teachers and businessmen, whose expertise would contribute to community development.
The Federation also announced plans to establish a digital membership platform, launch an official website, maintain proper documentation and adopt modern systems of communication and governance to enhance transparency and accessibility.
Shah emphasised that the organisation belongs to the entire community and that every eligible member would have an equal opportunity to participate in its democratic functioning. In accordance with its Constitution, elections will be conducted every three years through an Independent Election Commission to ensure free, fair and transparent leadership transitions.
Referring to an ongoing civil suit involving the Federation, Shah said the matter is pending before a competent court and reiterated the organisation’s commitment to respecting the rule of law and abiding by the final judicial verdict.
Appealing to the Jammu and Kashmir Government and the Union Government, the Federation urged greater attention to the educational, social and economic concerns of the Shia community in Jammu Province. Shah said the organisation would work constructively with the authorities to seek policy support for students, youth, women, senior citizens and economically weaker sections, particularly in the areas of education, employment, healthcare, infrastructure and social welfare.
Concluding the press conference, Shah called upon youth, scholars, professionals, religious leaders and social workers to join the Federation’s mission of service, stating that “Unity, Service, Transparency and Progress” would continue to guide the organisation’s efforts towards building an inclusive and progressive community institution.