Patil asks Deputy Commissioners to generate more funds for Red Cross

 By Punjabnewswire4u

CHANDIGARH, APRIL 11

 Presiding over meeting of the Managing Body and the 47th Annual General Meeting of Indian Red Cross Society, Punjab State Branch and its allied bodies, today at Punjab Raj Bhavan, the Punjab Governor and Administrator, Union Territory, Chandigarh, Mr. Shivraj V. Patil, who is also President of Punjab Red cross, said our volunteers must pay special attention to eradicate social evils like drug addiction and female feticide and should make special efforts to focus on public health, vaccination campaign, and preparedness for pandemics, social welfare and first aid services.

The Governor asked all the Deputy Commissioners to collect more funds for Red Cross from society and send report to  State body regarding collection, expenditure and deposit required share as per rules in the state head.

The Governor also asked Brig. Retd.ABS Brar, Secretary Red Cross to constitute a Sub- Committee to make draft rules. He said nominate Deputy Commissioners of Bathinda, Amritsar, Jalandhar and Ludhiana as members of the sub Committee besides others.

Discussing agenda at length, the Governor asked why you are paying only Rs 7000 to a driver who is working for you, when a driver appointed on regular basis is getting Rs 19000/ per month. He said we have no objection if you pay him less, but it should be marginally less than what the regular employee is getting.

Mr. Patil said we have to change our mindset and attitudes to be sensitive to issue of societal concern and always to be prepared to help the poor and the needy. He said Red Cross volunteers, participation of the people and NGO’s need to put in more committed efforts to achieve the goal.

         Speaking on the occasion Mr. Patil said, to build a strong nation and a healthy society, the best way is to imbibe spirit of love and brotherhood in children to achieve desired results. He said the Red Cross is one of the largest humanitarian movements, transcending all barriers and symbolizing humanity, voluntary service and a universal spirit.  Its role in mitigating the suffering of the people in distress and despair is well known and has been recognized at the global level.

         He said the Red Cross is possibly the leading humanitarian organization in the world, and in the country, with branches in all countries. He said it plays a significant role in promoting caring & sharing, besides guiding and supporting the development of society through various service-oriented programmes and mitigating the suffering of fellow human beings. It also has thousands of volunteers involved in helping the needy, and contributing in relief operations in case of natural disasters and calamities.

         Mr. Patil also gave awards to all the 59 accredited social workers who have done commendable work in their respective fields.

       Earlier Brig. (Retd.) ABS Brar, Secretary Red Cross read the Combined Annual Report of Punjab State Branch of the Indian Red Cross Society.

       Prominent amongst others who attended the meeting included, Punjab Health and Family welfare Minister, Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal, Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Finance Minister, Mr. Rakesh Singh, Chief Secretary, Mr. MP Singh ,Principal Secretary to Governor Punjab, Mr. Rajan Kashap IAS Retd.  Mr. Ramesh Inder Singh, State Chief Information Commissioner, Mr. A.S. Pannu, Commissioner, Patiala Division, Mr. Ashok Nayyar ,DHS –Cum-Vice Chairman Punjab Red Cross  society, about 400 dignitaries, senior government, functionaries ,Deputy Commissioners and social workers.