SAFIR is a network of regulatory commissions and related stakeholders in South Asia aiming to increase the exchange of knowledge and experiences in regulatory reforms in the region. SAFIR was re-constituted as a membership-based initiative after it completed two years of its existence. We would like to invite all stakeholders in the regulatory reform process in this region, and others who may be interested, to join this initiative.

Membership Structure

The activities of SAFIR are guided by a Steering Committee comprising independent regulators from the region. The Steering Committee is the policy-making body of SAFIR. In addition, SAFIR is inviting research and academic institutes from the South Asian region to register as CPIs (core partner institutes). The CPIs form the Executive Committee of SAFIR.

Steering Committee

• Regulatory commissions from South Asia (one nominee at the level of Member of Commission; may be by rotation)
• Regulatory associations from South Asia (two nominees)
  
  Functions
  Benefits

Executive Committee

• CPIs from South Asia (including the host entity)


Qualifications of Core Partner Institutes
CPI Functions
Executive Committee Functions
Benefits

Associate members

• Government ministries/departments
• Consumer organizations/non-governmental organizations
• Corporate representatives/consultants
• Corporate associations
• Financial institutions
• Research and academic institutes from outside South Asia
• Regulatory commissions/associations from outside South Asia
  Benefits

Fee/subscription

• Core partner institutes ($1,000)
• Consumer organizations/non-governmental organizations ($250)
• Regulatory commissions/government departments regulating the infrastructure sectors ($1,500)
• Regulatory associations ($2,000)
• Corporate/financial institutions/consultancy organizations ($1,500)
• Corporate associations ($3,000)
• Research and academic institutes from outside South Asia ($1,000)
• Regulatory commissions/associations from outside South Asia ($1,500)

Donors are encouraged to become patrons by contributing $10,000 annually, possibly through commitment of support to SAFIR events.

In case of any lack of clarity, the Steering Committee shall decide the category under which membership will be granted to an applicant. It will have full right to accept or reject any member in a given category.

The annual membership fee will be used to cover the administrative costs of the host entity. The host entity, being a registered body, will receive the fee and other funds on behalf of SAFIR, and keep them in separate accounts subject to scrutiny by the SAFIR Steering Committee.

Functions of the Steering Committee

• Create awareness about SAFIR in various forums and elicit interest in its activities
• Provide policy guidance and strategic direction to SAFIR
• Encourage participation in SAFIR activities from their countries
• Facilitate financial support for specific activities of SAFIR
• Participate actively in the annual SAFIR conference.

Functions of the Executive Committee

• Preparing an annual action plan,
• Implementing the identified activities,
• Developing knowledge resources, and
• Advising the Steering Committee on issues of importance.

The Executive Committee would meet in conjunction with the SCM/ AGM (Steering Committee Meeting/Annual General Meeting) on an annual basis. The members of the Executive Committee would have to bear their own expenses for participating in this meeting. Apart from the meeting, it is expected that the members of the Executive Committee would interact frequently on an as-required basis using appropriate electronic media for communication.

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Functions of a Core Partner Institute

• The CPIs will find representation (one person at a senior level) on the Executive Committee.
• The CPIs would facilitate building of membership and marketing of the Core Programme and other SAFIR events.
• The CPIs should propose events that could be organized under the SAFIR banner in their countries/region and assume responsibility for organizing the same.
• The CPI organizing a SAFIR event should ensure that such events are designed on a cost-recovery basis. Additionally, five per cent of event revenues must be payable to SAFIR as a contribution to its corpus.
• The CPIs should also facilitate donor support for SAFIR activities.
• The CPI will have first right of participation in any identified regional research proposals. They would fulfill all contractual obligations of such projects.
• For purposes of coordination of all SAFIR activities, the CPIs should maintain constant dialogue with the host entity for various tasks being conducted on behalf of SAFIR.
• The CPI would be expected to contribute to the content of the SAFIR newsletter and the web site.
• The CPI would be responsible for maintaining a database of regulators, officials, experts, and other stakeholders in the areas of SAFIR activities in their countries.

Qualification of Core Partner Institutes

• Capacity (or the potential to develop it) in infrastructure regulation
• Demonstrated capacity in research and training
• Requisite infrastructure and human resources
• Capacity to involve various stakeholders in SAFIR activities.

Benefits & Privileges for SAFIR Members