Question

SAARC is the chief medium of discussion of South Asian countries. In the background of its organizational structural, discuss this statement Answer

Answer 1

SAARC : 

Its full name is South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation. On December 7 and 8, 1985, a conference of seven countries of south Asia was held in Dhaka and SAARC was founded. These countries are- India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Maldives. On April 3, 2007, Afghanistan became its 8th member. At present, besides these 8 countries, observers are also included. It is a beginning of regional cooperation in world politics of neighbouring countries in south Asia. Except Maldives, all the members of SAARC are a part of Indian subcontinent.

All these countries are associated on the basis of history, geography, religion and culture. First of all, the idea to make an organization of Asian countries was given by former Bangladesh President, Zia-ur-Rehman. SAARC organization is a major forum of discussion between Asian countries. The main thrust of SAARC is to emphasize on regional cooperation. On August 1983, nine fields were underlined- agriculture, health services, weather, science, postal services, rural development, Science, communication technology, transportation, games, and cultural cooperation. After 2 years in Dhaka, some more subjects were also added, i.e. terrorism, drug smuggling, and women’s role in regional development. SAARC headquarter is in Kathmandu (Nepal).

Organizational structure of SAARC :

The charter of SAARC, on which in 1985 in Dhaka conference agreement was made, has 10 articles. In it, SAARC’s major principles, aims and institutional structure have been described. 

The organizational structure of SAARC can be clarified through following articles of its charter :

Article-1 : 

In it, SAARC’s major aims are described, which are given below: 

1. Improving life standard and the welfare of the people of south Asian region. 

2. To develop collective independence of South Asian countries. 

3.Speedy development in economic, social and cultural sphere of the area. 

4. Mutual faith, intelligence and the evaluation of one another’s problems. 

5.Active cooperation in economic, social, cultural, technical and scientific areas and increase in mutual help. 

6. To increase cooperation with other developing countries. 

7. In case of common interests, empowering mutual cooperation on international stage.

• Article-2 : 

In it, SAARC’s principles are described. Cooperation, equality, regional unity and mutual non-interference in internal issues Eire included in it.

• Article-3 : 

In it, there is a provision of summits of SAARC nations’ heads.

• Article-4 : 

In it, there is a provision of the foreign ministers’ council of member countries.

• Article-5 : 

In it, there is a provision of permanent committee in which foreign secretaries of member countries are included and once in a year, its meeting is necessary. It looks after the progress and recognition of area of cooperation.

• Article-6 : 

In it, there is a provision of technical committee which works for functional harmony and identification of new subjects of regional cooperation.

• Article-7 : 

In it, there is a provision of working committee.

• Article-8: 

In it, there is a provision of SAARC secretariat. It was founded in 1987. Its headquarter is in Kathmandu. There is a secretary general to head it. His tenure is of 2 years. Besides, secretariat, 12 regional centres are made in different countries, for other social, economic and cultural matters. Besides, 6 others high level institutions and 17 recoganised institutions are included.

• Article-9&10: 

Both make provision for SAARC financial institution and common fund for welfare work.