Recently, the elections for 13 posts in India Islamic Cultural Centre (IICC) were held. 1118 votes were cast during polling, while 932 votes were received by Returning Officer through ballot papers.
It may be mentioned that Sirajuddin Qureshi and Arif Mohammed Khan had contested for the post of the president. Elections were held for the posts of president, vice president, the Board of Trustees (BOT) and Executive Committee (EC) members.
Here are the final figures out of 2041:
*President*
Sirajuddin Qureshi- 1339
Arif Khan – 702
*Vice President*
SM Khan- 1036
*BOT*
Abrar Ahmed- 1232
Abuzar Khan- 1038
Ahmed Raza- 838
Jamshed Zaidi- 833
Sharafat Ullah- 845
Shamim Ahmed- 697
Qamar Ahmed- 983
*EC*
Badruddin Khan 1022
Shahana Begum 994
Sikandar Hayat 980
Bahar Barqi 897
*Think tank deviated from its vision*
The think tank which was meant to highlight and solve Muslim problems has become the center for picnic. Members of the centre indulge in conspiracies against each other rather than focusing on Muslim issues.
Govt. brought many bills including Triple Talaq Bill, NRC, Citizenship bill but still members of the centre are reluctant to focus on these issues. It may be mentioned that the members of the centre were busy sending bulk messages rather than focusing on the bills.
The centre should be the place for formulating policies for the welfare of the Muslim but it has become the centre for retired elites interested in parties and dinners.
*What should be the vision of the centre:*
1. It should focus on Muslim issues such as employment, health, Muslim Personal Law etc.
2. The centre should encourage talks between Muslims and people belonging to depressed classes and marginalized upper class.
3. Centre should work for the improvement of educational standards of Muslims.
4. Rather than one center in national capital, it should have branches in various cities.
5. Should focus on promoting Islamic values among Muslims.
*About the centre:*
On 24th August 1984, the foundation of the centre was laid by then Prime Minister of India, Ms. Indira Gandhi.
New building of the centre was inaugurated by former Congress President, Ms. Sonia Gandhi on 12th June 2006.
The centre is devoted to social, educational, religious, cultural activities and for the promotion of community.
It may be mentioned that the centre celebrates main religious festival of India such as Diwali milan, holi milan Christmas etc.