District Red Cross Society, Reasi has finalized plan for improving fund raising in current financial year and develop critical emergency as well as disaster management infrastructure in the district for prompt response in case of natural calamities and road accidents.This was stated by Deputy Commissioner Reasi Sushma Chauhan in a meeting held here today.The Society resolved to create greater awareness among masses especially students about Red Cross being a “Community Driven” initiative for humanitarian relief.The DRCS approved installation of five donation boxes at Katra, the base camp of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine and 2 at Ransoo, the base camp of Shiv Khori Shrine as already agreed by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) and Shiv Khori Shrine Board for seeking donations from visiting pilgrims.
It was decided in the meeting that the Transport Department, Municipal Committees and Banks will raise funds for Red Cross through charging compulsory voluntary donations on driving licences, building permissions, renewal cases, lorry adda fees, bank passbooks etc. Besides, cash assistance and relief material will be made available at special cells in Katra, Pouni, Ransoo, Arnas, Mahore and Chassana for ensuring prompt relief and assistance in case of an emergency.A dedicated Red Cross cell has also been established in the office of Deputy Commissioner Reasi.The DC impressed upon all the officers and prominent citizens to create a network of life members, honorary members and volunteers in various parts of the district for improving outreach of the humanitarian programme.
It was decided that 12 important days will be observed by DRCS for which various district officers have been appointed as nodal officers. Among others, ADDC Reasi, Mr Bhawani Singh Rukwal, ADC Reasi Mr Shiv Kumar Gupta, ACR Reasi, Mr Abdul Sattar, President Hotel Association Katra, Mr Wazir, President Indian Style Wrestling Association, Mr Shiv kumar Sharma, members of Civil Defence, Representative of SMVDSB, Representative of NGOs, all district officers and members of Red Cross fraternity attended the meeting.