Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has called for a significant expansion of the Indian Red Cross Society’s (IRCS) presence in Jammu and Kashmir, with a particular emphasis on its outreach to remote and border regions. During the annual general meeting of the IRCS, J&K UT, Sinha, who also presides over the society, directed Deputy Commissioners to bolster resource mobilization efforts and strengthen humanitarian services across the Union Territory. The meeting, attended by key officials including Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari and General Secretary of IRCS, J&K, Shubhankar Pratyush Pathak, reviewed the society’s functioning, activities, and future strategies.
Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that Sinha urged the Deputy Commissioners to actively explore innovative avenues for generating funds and to intensify resource mobilization initiatives. This push is aimed at further strengthening the humanitarian and welfare activities undertaken by the Red Cross Society. He also instructed them to prepare comprehensive district-wise annual activity plans, clearly identifying priority areas and specific interventions for effective implementation. The Lieutenant Governor stressed the importance of bringing Red Cross services closer to the populace, advocating for a greater reach into far-flung and border areas. He proposed exploring the establishment of diagnostic centers in remote locations, especially in areas where residents currently face long travel distances to access essential hospital and healthcare services.
Furthermore, Sinha highlighted the need for coordinated efforts to achieve the complete elimination of tuberculosis (TB) within the region. This initiative would involve a heightened focus on the identification, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of patients at the grassroots level. The Lieutenant Governor underscored the critical role the Red Cross Society must play in reinforcing its humanitarian mandate, ensuring that timely assistance and essential services reach the most vulnerable and needy sections of society throughout Jammu and Kashmir. In line with the government’s broader objectives, Sinha also urged the IRCS, J&K, to intensify its anti-drug campaign, contributing to the collective effort to build a ‘Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir‘ (Drug-Free Jammu and Kashmir).
During the meeting, Shubhankar Pratyush Pathak presented various agenda items for review and ratification by the attendees. The discussions also encompassed budget estimates, audit reports, the appointment of Medical Officers for blood banks and diagnostic centers, and a comprehensive overview of the activities undertaken by the Red Cross Society and its various district-level units. The Deputy Commissioners provided updates on the ongoing activities of the District Red Cross Units within their respective districts and offered suggestions aimed at further enhancing the functioning and outreach capabilities of these units. The meeting underscored a commitment to leveraging the Red Cross’s network for enhanced public welfare and health initiatives across the Union Territory.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
Leave a Reply