The Governor Punjab and the President Punjab Red Cross Society V.P. Singh Badnore today asked the deputy commissioners to launch a state wide campaign to generate awareness regarding the activities of the State Red Cross in mitigating the suffering of the needy.While addressing the meeting of the Managing Body of the Punjab Red Cross, the Governor has asked the Deputy Commissioners to work out a timetable for imparting training and make adequate arrangements for the First aid training in each district.Talking about the initiatives of Punjab Red Cross Society and St. John Ambulance, he said that the state has remained the best performing state in First Aid Training, prevention of TB, AIDS and HIV Projects and also in drug de addiction in the state.He has also asked the officers to strengthen the disaster management in their respective districts and utilise the platform of Red Cross to train all the stakeholders in disaster management activities.In recognition to their humanitarian services, the Governor also presented awards to the social workers; Administrators of Universities who have signed the MoUs with Punjab Red Cross, taking forward the mission and message of Red Cross.
Among the big district Patiala secured first position in First Aid training while in overall position in the State was achieved by district Faridkot followed by Barnala (in small district).Speaking on the occasion, the Health Minister Punjab, Mr. Brahm Mohindra appreciated the ongoing activities of the Punjab unit of Red Cross and asked the Deputy Commissioners to work in total unison with the NGOs and voluntary organisation of their respective districts in order to mitigate the sufferings of the people through Red Cross activities. He also asked the Deputy Commissioners to deposit the payment sent for the Punjab State Red Cross without any delay.Earlier Mr. C.S. Talwar, Secretary Punjab State Red Cross Society laid down the agenda of the meeting for the approval of the house. He also presented the vote of tanks.Prominent amongst others who were present on the occasion included Mr. Karan Avtar Singh, Chief Secretary, Mr. J.M. Balamurugan, Secretary to Governor, senior serving and retired officers of Punjab Government.