Symbolic Image

Overview of IFERD Chapters

Chapters shall be established as regional and institutional arms of IFERD to expand outreach, membership engagement, and program implementation at international, national, state, district, and institutional levels. They shall function under the supervision of the Secretariat while enjoying operational autonomy to undertake activities aligned with IFERD’s vision and objectives. From regional to global engagement, IFERD aims to establish chapters at both  national and international levels. Within India, chapters will be formed at the state, district, and institutional levels to ensure wider outreach and localized impact. The criteria and guidelines for the establishment of IFERD Chapters are detailed under the “Establishment of Chapters” section. IFERD Chapters shall work in coordination with the IFERD Secretariat. Each Chapter shall have an Executive Committee consisting of up to twelve (12) members, with the following structure: 

  • Chairman
  • Vice Chairman
  • Secretary (2) 
  • Joint Secretary (2) 
  • Member (6)

The Executive Committee of each Chapter (International, State, District, and Student) shall serve as the principal body responsible for the planning, coordination, and implementation of the activities and initiatives of the Chapter. It shall be accountable to the IFERD Secretariat for the effective functioning of the Chapter. The Executive Committee shall perform the following roles and responsibilities: 

  • To develop and implement action plans, programs, and initiatives in alignment with the objectives and mission of IFERD.
  • To organize and execute academic, professional, cultural, and community-based activities such as conferences, seminars, workshops, training programs, and outreach initiatives.
  • To coordinate with the IFERD Secretariat, Councils, and other Chapters, and to foster collaborations with academic institutions, industry, and community organizations.
  • To promote IFERD membership, encourage member engagement, and facilitate networking and professional development opportunities.
  • To ensure that the Chapter functions in accordance with the policies, guidelines, and governance framework of IFERD.
  • To manage and utilize resources of the Chapter prudently, in accordance with the guidelines issued by IFERD, and to ensure transparency and accountability.

  • To maintain proper records of meetings, activities, and decisions, and to submit periodic reports to the IFERD Secretariat or the concerned authority.

  • To promote the activities and achievements of the Chapter through appropriate communication channels and to enhance the visibility of IFERD.
  • To review the progress of activities and initiatives of the Chapter and to take necessary measures for continuous improvement.
  • To constitute sub-committees, as may be required, for the effective implementation of specific activities, projects, and objectives of IFERD, and to oversee their functioning.
  • To undertake such other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the IFERD Secretariat or other competent authorities from time to time.

Executive Committee of a Chapter shall have authority to form sub-committees for specific tasks such as membership, events, outreach, and student engagement. Size of sub-committee shall not be more than six (6), with the following structure: 

 

  • Chairman 
  • Vice Chairman
  • Secretary 
  • Member (3)

Sub-committees constituted under the Chapters shall function as task-specific working groups to support the effective implementation of the objectives and activities of IFERD. Each Sub-committee shall be assigned a clearly defined functional area, such as Membership, Events, Research, Outreach, or any other area as determined by the Executive Committee.

The Sub-committees shall work under the supervision and direction of the Executive Committee of the respective Chapter and shall be responsible for the execution of specific tasks assigned to them.  Sub-committees shall not exercise independent decision-making authority beyond their assigned functions and shall operate under the guidance of the Executive Committee. Their roles and responsibilities shall include:

  • To carry out specific functions and assignments within their designated area, such as membership development, event organization, outreach activities, program coordination etc.
  • To regularly report their activities, progress, and outcomes to the Executive Committee of the Chapter.
  • To coordinate with other Sub-Committees and stakeholders, wherever necessary, for the effective execution of activities.
  • To assist the Executive Committee in achieving the overall objectives of the Chapter through focused and result-oriented efforts.
  • To perform such other tasks as may be assigned by the Executive Committee from time to time.

Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretaries, Joint Secretaries, and Members shall be designated as Officers of the Executive Committee. The Chairman shall lead the Chapter, preside over its meetings, provide strategic vision and direction, and represent the Chapter at national and international levels. The Vice Chairman shall assist and support the Chairman in the discharge of his/her responsibilities and, in the absence of the Chairman, shall preside over meetings, supervise the implementation of projects and initiatives, and oversee the functioning of Sub-Committees established under the Chapter. The Secretary shall be responsible for managing the overall administration of the Chapter, supervising documentation and records, ensuring compliance with the policies and guidelines of IFERD, and coordinating closely with the IFERD Secretariat. The Secretary shall also handle official correspondence, maintain records and documentation, organize meetings and events, and manage day-to-day communication with members and relevant stakeholders. The Joint Secretary shall assist the Secretary in carrying out administrative and operational responsibilities and, in the absence of the Secretary, shall perform the functions assigned to the Secretary. Members of the Executive Committee shall contribute their expertise, professional experience, and institutional support toward the effective functioning of the Chapter. They shall assist in mobilizing participation, supporting programs and initiatives, and acting as liaisons with local institutions, communities, and stakeholders. Apart from the above-mentioned roles and responsibilities, all office bearers and members of the Chapter shall also carry out such other duties and responsibilities as may be entrusted to them by the IFERD Assembly, the Board of Directors, or the IFERD Secretariat from time to time.

Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, and Members shall constitute the Officers of the Sub-committee. The Chairman of the Sub-Committee shall lead the Sub-Committee, set priorities for its activities and initiatives, and report the progress and outcomes of its work to the Executive Committee of the Chapter. The Vice Chairman shall assist and support the Chairman in the discharge of his/her responsibilities and, in the absence of the Chairman, shall perform the functions assigned to the Chairman and oversee specific tasks, projects, or initiatives undertaken by the Sub-Committee. The Secretary of the Sub-Committee shall be responsible for maintaining official records and documentation, preparing meeting agendas and minutes, coordinating with the Executive Committee of the Chapter, and managing communication and correspondence with members and relevant stakeholders. Members of the Sub-Committee shall undertake assigned responsibilities, contribute their knowledge, expertise, and professional skills, and support the effective planning, coordination, and execution of projects, programs, and activities of the Sub-Committee. Apart from the above-mentioned roles and responsibilities, all office bearers and members of the Sub-Committee shall also carry out such other duties and responsibilities as may be entrusted to them by the IFERD Secretariat or the Executive Committee of the Chapter from time to time.

The eligibility criteria for individuals seeking leadership positions within IFERD Chapters shall be as follows: 
  • A Fellow Member of IFERD having substantial experience and demonstrated expertise in the relevant field shall be eligible for appointment as the Chairman or Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee of Chapters and sub-committees constituted under these Chapters.
  • A Fellow Member or Associate Member of IFERD possessing significant experience and knowledge in the relevant field shall be eligible for appointment as the Secretary and Joint Secretary of the Executive Committee of Chapters and sub-committees constituted under these Chapters.
  • A Fellow Member or Associate Member or Primary Member of IFERD who possesses relevant experience in the concerned field and demonstrates a strong commitment to the objectives of the Federation shall be eligible for appointment as a Member of the Executive Committee of Chapters and sub-committees constituted under these Chapters.

Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretaries, Joint Secretaries and Members of the Executive Committee of Chapters shall be appointed by the IFERD Secretariat. Executive Committee of Chapters shall be authorized to appoint the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, and Members of the sub-committees of Chapters. Tenure of members of the executive committee and sub-committees of Chapters shall be two (2) years, they may be re-appointed for further terms. They can be relived before the completion of their tenure in case of their inactive involvement in the activities of the federation.

Executive Committee of the Chapters shall meet at least twice in every quarter, or as may be required, to review its activities, plan initiatives, and monitor the implementation of programs aligned with the objectives of IFERD. Reasonable notice of every meeting shall be given to all members of the Executive Committee, specifying the date, time, venue, and agenda of the meeting. The quorum for a meeting of the Chapter shall be one-third (1/3) of the members of the Executive Committee or three (3) members, whichever is higher. Special meetings of the Executive Committee may be convened whenever necessary to address urgent matters. 

The minutes of every meeting shall be properly recorded and maintained, and shall be communicated to the IFERD Secretariat for record and necessary action. Members may participate in meetings through video conferencing or other audio-visual means, and such participation shall be counted for the purpose of quorum. The meeting shall be presided over by the Chairman of the Chapter. In his/her absence, the Vice Chairman or any member authorized by the Executive Committee shall preside over the meeting. Decisions shall ordinarily be taken by a majority vote of the members present and voting. In case of a tie, the presiding officer may exercise a casting vote. 

Sub-Committees constituted under the Chapters shall meet at least once in every quarter, or as may be required, for the effective planning and implementation of their assigned functions and activities. Meetings shall be convened by the Chairman of the Sub-Committee with reasonable notice to all members. The quorum for such meetings shall ordinarily be one-third (1/3rd) of the total members or two (2) members, whichever is higher. Members may participate through video conferencing or other audio-visual means, and such participation shall be counted for quorum. Decisions shall be taken by a majority of the members present and voting, and the proceedings shall be properly recorded and reported to the executive committee for review and further action.