Formation of SARTUC Youth Committee

The first Youth Committee Meeting of the South Asian Regional Trade Union Council (SARTUC) was successfully concluded on 3rd July 2024 in Colombo, Sri Lanka with the participation representing all SARTUC affiliates from (Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka).

https://www.sartuc.org/document/minutes-of-first-sartuc-youth-committee-election/ (Minutes)

As observers in the first youth committee election, the senior trade union leaders from the host country (Sri Lanka) and youth trade union leaders from South Asia attended physically and observed the constitutional process of the first SARTUC youth committee election. The constitutional process was conducted smoothly and transparently, and most importantly, Dr. S. M. Fahimuddin Pasha, Director, Workers’ Rights, ITUC-AP, attended as chief guest and explained the importance of the youth committee and its election process. It is a prestigious moment for SARTUC and its youth committee members.

Mr Laxman Basnet, General Secretary, SARTUC, welcomed all the participants and delegates to the first youth committee election of SARTUC. Moreover, he explained the constitutional process for the first SARTUC youth committee election. He appointed Mr. Kishor Bikram Shah (Programme Officer, SARTUC Secretariat) as the secretary of the Youth Committee.

With the direction from the General Secretary, SARTUC, Mr. Kishor Bikram Shah, Secretary to the SARTUC Youth Committee started the Roll call for the SARTUC youth committee election. He mentioned the list of nominations received for the youth committee from the SARTUC-affiliated countries (Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka) however, from India one female and for male two nominations were received. After mutual discussions it was agreed the two male nominations vote would be counted as one.

Decisions

  • Formation of 1st SARTUC Youth Committee for the next 4 years term;
  • Electing the Chair and Vice-Chair based on gender equality for the next 4 years term;
  • India had two representatives (male) for the youth committee, however, both of them were considered as a single voice or one vote (while voting) which was accepted unanimously;
  • The Secretary of the youth committee will be the focal point in the SARTUC Secretariat for the SARTUC Youth Committee;
  • The first SARTUC Youth Committee meeting was conducted immediately after the election of Chair and Vice-Chair;
  • Create a WhatsApp group for all the committee members to share experiences and challenges on different youth and labour issues, including migrant workers;
  • Plan of action (priority areas) was made for the next 4 years to the SARTUC Youth Committee;
  • Online platforms (online meetings) will be used for the regular meetings and discussion over the priority areas set by the first SARTUC Youth Committee meeting;
  • Run the Campaign #MigrateWithDignity at regional, national, and union levels by the youth committee members and participants of the regional consultation.

First SARTUC Youth Committee, 3 July 2024

Chair

Ms. Iqbal Mustabeen, Pakistan

Vice Chair

Mr. Shane Vadivel, Sri Lanka

 

Members

Ms. Aishath Raaya, Maldives

Ms. Anshu Jha, India

Mr. Bike Shrestha, Nepal

Mr. Divyanshu Singh/ Mr. Tushar Yadav, India

Mr. Ihsan Ullah, Pakistan

Ms. Kanishta Michael, Sri Lanka

Ms. Komal Maya Lama, Nepal

Ms. Muslaha Akter, Bangladesh

Mr. Saam Ismail, Maldives

Mr. Sifat Chowdhury, Bangladesh