“We have already implemented more than 200 educational, health, social and human resource development projects under the program,” he told Arab News.
Hassan, who is currently visiting Saudi Arabia as a guest of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, said the Vision’s projects are spread over 20 north Indian states. “We are receiving encouraging support from central and state governments as well as other NGOs. No project has been canceled due to short of funds,” he said. He commended the Indian expatriate community in the Gulf for their generous contributions.
Professor Hassan also spoke about a new political party being formed at the initiative of Jamaat and said it would represent all groups of people and work for establishing justice and protecting human rights. “It will be an independent party. Its constitution is now ready. A 100-member ad hoc committee has been set up,” he said, adding that the name of the party would be announced next month soon after receiving approval from the Election Commission.
Hassan, who is general secretary of the Human Welfare Foundation that overseas the Vision’s projects, highlighted Jamaat’s efforts to enhance educational awareness of Muslims in north India and empower civil societies. “We are now in the process of training community leaders in different areas to empower civil society,” he said.
The Association for the Protection of Civil Rights has trained 50 activists in every state to work for protection of human rights.
Speaking about educational activities, Hassan said more than 20,000 poor students have been given scholarships during the past five years to pursue higher studies. “The schools we have established in various states provide quality education. They also serve as community development centers,” he pointed out. The Vision’s microfinance projects aim at providing jobs to 7.5 million people during the next five years.
A super specialty hospital established in New Delhi under Vision 2016 will be opened next month, Hassan said. “It will provide free health services to the poor at the same time charge reasonable fees from people who are financially sound, in order to ensure its sustainability,” he said.
The Vision has set up six NGOs at national level and 50 NGOs at state level to implement its projects and organize its various activities.
