Associated News Bureau

LG Sinha Calls for Stronger Red Cross Network, Wider Humanitarian Outreach Across J&K

Srinagar, August 31, 2026: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday chaired the Annual General Meeting of the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), J&K UT, and reviewed its functioning, ongoing activities and future roadmap, with a focus on strengthening humanitarian services and expanding outreach to underserved areas. The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, General Secretary of IRCS, J&K, Shubhankar Pratyush Pathak, Deputy Commissioners serving as Presidents of District Red Cross Units, and senior officials of the Society. The Lieutenant Governor, who is the President of the Indian Red Cross Society, J&K UT, directed Deputy Commissioners to intensify resource mobilisation and explore innovative avenues for generating funds to support and expand the Society’s humanitarian and welfare initiatives. He called for the preparation of comprehensive district-wise annual activity plans, with clearly identified priorities and interventions, to ensure focused and effective implementation of Red Cross programmes across Jammu and Kashmir. Emphasising the need to take humanitarian and healthcare services closer to the people, Sinha called for strengthening the Red Cross network, particularly in far-flung and border areas. He advised the Deputy Commissioners to explore the establishment of diagnostic centres in remote locations, especially in areas where residents are required to travel long distances to access hospitals and essential healthcare services. The Lieutenant Governor also stressed the need for intensified and coordinated efforts towards the complete elimination of tuberculosis (TB), with particular emphasis on early identification, diagnosis, treatment and regular follow-up of patients at the grassroots level. Sinha further directed the IRCS, J&K, to strengthen its humanitarian role and expand its activities to ensure that timely assistance and essential services reach vulnerable and needy sections of society across the Union Territory. He also called upon the Society to intensify its contribution to the ongoing anti-drug campaign and support the broader objective of building a Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir. During the meeting, General Secretary Shubhankar Pratyush Pathak presented various agenda items for consideration, review and ratification. The meeting also discussed several key issues, including budget estimates, audit matters, appointment of Medical Officers at blood banks and diagnostic centres, and activities undertaken by the Red Cross Society and its district-level units. Deputy Commissioners briefed the Lieutenant Governor on initiatives undertaken by their respective District Red Cross Units and put forward suggestions aimed at improving the Society’s functioning, service delivery and outreach. The meeting concluded with an emphasis on strengthening institutional capacity, expanding humanitarian services and ensuring that the Red Cross network remains responsive to the needs of vulnerable communities across Jammu and Kashmir.