Role of Patrons, Advisors & Unit Presidents.

ROLE OF PATRONS

1. a) The Association shall have One Chief Patron, who shall hold the position for life. In addition, there may be one or more Patrons as deemed necessary. The Chief Patron and Patrons shall be from the Life Members of GPA only.
2. b) The positions of Chief Patron and Patron shall exist only at the Central/ National level of the Organisation and shall be common to all Chapters, irrespective of their level or geographical jurisdiction.
3. c) There shall be no election for the posts of Chief Patron or Patron. Nomination to these positions shall be made in accordance with the provisions of the Memorandum of Association.
4. d) The Patrons shall assist, support, and provide requisite expert advice to the Chief Patron and shall perform such duties and functions as may be assigned by the Chief Patron from time to time.
5. e) The eligibility criteria for the position of Patron shall be the same as prescribed in the Memorandum of the Association under Article 14(i).

ROLE OF ADVISORS

Advisors may or may not be members of the Global Punjabi Association. However, they shall be individuals of high standing, possessing specialized expertise, professional competence, vision, and experience. Their role shall be to provide guidance, direction, and strategic support to the Association in furtherance of its objectives and overall growth.

CHAPTERS (Units) STRUCTURE OF CHAPTERS AND ENROLLMENT /MEMBERSHIP

1. a) All Chapters at every level shall follow a uniform structure of office bearers, except for the positions of Chief Patron and Patrons, which shall exist only at the Central Organisation level.
2. b) Members of all categories shall be enrolled solely under the Central Organisation at the National level.
3. c) All Chapters shall facilitate enrollment of members only for the National level, and not for any individual Chapter.
4. d) No Chapter shall have the authority to enroll members exclusively for a specific Chapter or to maintain a separate Chapter-level membership.

ROLE OF UNIT PRESIDENTS

1. a) The Chapter President shall serve as the direct and active link between the Chapter and the National Organisation, ensuring effective coordination, communication, and implementation of the Association’s objectives.
2. b) During the initial formation of a new Chapter, and until the Chapter enrolls the minimum number of requisite members as prescribed by the Association, the Chief Patron shall nominate eminent local life members to function as the Chapter President.
3. c) Upon fulfillment of the prescribed minimum membership requirement, the Chapter shall conduct a proper election or selection of all office bearers in accordance with the provisions laid down in the Memorandum of the Association.

DUITIES OF INTERIM CHAPTER PRESIDENT

1. To establish and maintain a direct and active link with the National Chapter.
2. To ensure the enrollment of eminent Punjabis from the designated area and to submit their membership forms along with the requisite fees to the National Chapter.
3. To organize local meetings, spread the message of the Global Punjabi Association, and develop a strong and committed team for the development of Punjab, Punjabi, and Punjabiyat.
4. To celebrate local functions, festivals, and important days, and to promote Hindu–Sikh unity and foster interfaith harmony.
5. To identify local issues and community problems and to seek amicable and constructive solutions.
6. To work for the welfare of all (Sarbat Da Bhala).