INDIAN COMMUNITY WELFARE COMMITTEE
Formed in June 2000 under the direct patronage of the Consulate General of India (CGI) , the Indian Community Welfare Committee (ICWC) was born out of a sincere concern for the welfare of the large Indian expatriates, particularly the under privileged. A joint initiative between the CGI - Dubai and the Indian Community, the ICWC was formed with four core objectives and any other initiative that may be concsented by the CG and the Executive Committee (EC) from time to time.
The four core objectives of the ICWC are looking after the welfare of the Indian citizen in the following categories.
Destitute housemaids
Stranded workforce
Persons in detention in the prisons for crimes other than economic, drug related and political offenses; and
Persons undergoing prolonged treatment in hospitals
In its three and a half years of existence, the ICWC has done commendable work in their focus area and has won the recognition of the community as well as a number of Dubai government officials and departments including prisons, hospitals, courts and immigration among others. In addition, the ICWC has also formed a panel of 21 Dubai based Indian lawyers and by rotation, 1 or 2 lawyers are available for free legal consultation at the CGI Dubai premises once a week between 1400 to 1600 hours.
The ICWC membership is open to all approved Indian Associations in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, organizations and professionals upon payment of an annual participation fee. The General Body nominates an Executive Committee and a Convenor to carry on the routine activities. All the meeting are held only at the CGI Dubai's premises and while the General Body meets on the last Wednesday of each month, the EC meets an hour earlier on the same day. The ICWC operates an account ( Number 63131) with Bank of Baroda, Dubai and joint signatories, one each from the CGI and the Convenor, operate the same.
Major activities of the ICWC till date include raising 'Diya' money and funds for destitute accident victims and for medical treatment in special cares, jail visits in conjunction with the Consular officers, regular hospital visits , assistance in projects in India, setting up of the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) telephone system which assist in providing details and requirements about the CGI services in English language and e mail facility at labour camps
In addition, the ICWC assists the CGI in online application for Consular Services and bringing out a useful pocket edition of a handbook containing information about the Consular Services and other important information.
Source : India Matters - CGI - Dubai
|
