Indian Red Cross Society

Origin of Indian Red Cross Society

During the first world war in 1914, India had no organization for relief services to the affected soldiers, except a branch of the St. John Ambulance Association and by a Joint Committee of the British Red Cross. Later, a branch of the same Committee was started to undertake the much-needed relief services in collaboration with the St. John Ambulance Association in aid of the soldiers as well as civilian sufferers of the horrors of that great war. A bill to constitute the Indian Red Cross Society, Independent of the British Red Cross, was introduced in the Indian Legislative Council on 3rd March 1920 by Sir Claude Hill, member of the Viceroy’s Executive Council who was also Chairman of the Joint war Committee in India. The Bill was passed on 17th March 1920 and became Act XV of 1920 with the assent of the Governor General on the 20th March 1920.

On 7th June 1920, fifty members were formally nominated to constitute the Indian Red Cross Society and the first Managing Body was elected from among them with Sir Malcolm Hailey as Chairman.

Indian Red Cross Society is a member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Relations between the IRCS and the India Delegation of the Federation are strong.

Indian Red Cross Society has partnership with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, St.John Ambulance, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (IFRC), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC ), Multinational firms. Individuals and others in supporting IRCS activities. It also coordinates with Indian Government and other agencies ( UNDP, WHO etc )

The mission of the Indian Red Cross Society

Indian Red Cross Society is constituted by the Government of India by Act XV of 1920 passed by the Indian Parliament. It is the instrument chosen by Indian Legislature to help carry out the obligations assumed by India under international treaties known as Geneva Convention. The legislation imposes on Red Cross the duties to act for the voluntary relief to the Indian people and the Armed Forces, and to take suitable measures to ensure national and international relief to prevent and mitigate sufferings caused by disasters. All the activities of Indian Red Cross Society support these duties. Nationally and locally Indian Red Cross is governed by volunteers, most of its duties are performed by volunteers, and it is financed mostly by voluntary contributions.

Structure

Functions of National Red Cross Society

• Relief (National and International)
• Development of Volunteer base.
• Health, Social Welfare, Nursing, First Aid, Maternity and Child Welfare.
• Help to disabled persons, weaker sections of society.
• Blood Donation.
• Junior and Youth Red Cross.
• Information and Dissemination.

Activities of Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS):

The Indian Red Cross Society helped soldiers and war prisoners during crisis with neighbouring countries. IRCS is always in the frontline to help people during natural calamities in situation such as cyclones, earthquakes, floods, famines. The general activities of Indian Red Cross are in the field of family welfare, antenatal and postnatal care, immunisation, eradication of TB, polio and other like diseases. About four lakh units of blood are collected every year through Red Cross blood banks. Artificial limbs and other accessories such as wheel chairs and hearing aids are provided to needy and poor people.

For detailed information on Indian Red Cross Society NHQ log on to www.indianredcross.org

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