Virbhadra all praise for Red Cross societies

Tribune News Service

Mandi, September 25

Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh inaugurated the eight-day-long district Red Cross Fair at Paddal ground here today. While addressing the gathering he said that in order to enhance financial resources of Red Cross societies in the state, more involvement of panchayats, mahila mandals, schools and other organisations was required.

He lauded the efforts of HP Red Cross for rendering valuable services for the cause of humanity. Appreciating the humanitarian services of the members of the Red Cross all over the state, he said that Red Cross societies were rendering yeomen services in helping the poor. The CM stated that every country has Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies which play a pivotal role during times of war and peace.

The CM also honoured volunteers of Social Emergency Response Volunteers (SERV) working to provide relief to the people in emergency situations at all sub-divisions of Mandi district. He also released a souvenir of the District Red Cross Society and lauded the efforts of SERV. He stated that SERV was the first-of-its-kind movement, which was started in Mandi district by involving local youths at block and sub-division levels to handle disaster-like situations.

The Chief Minister earlier flagged off “Swachh Jal Yatra”, an initiative of the district administration to create awareness about water-borne diseases and measures to be adopted to keep tap water and natural water bodies clean. Children of as many as 40 schools, including Asha and Aangwadi workers, took part in the rally.

The Chief Minister inaugurated the conference hall of HP Home guards. He also inaugurated the office of Tourist Information Centre and office of Deputy Director Tourism. He inaugurated the press club building at Mangwain (Ramnagar) completed with outlay of Rs 15.40 lakh.

Health Minister Kaul Singh Thakur, Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Minister Anil Sharma, Excise and Taxation Minister Prakash Chaudhary, Political Adviser to Chief Minister Rangila Ram Rao, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sohan Lal, and Deputy Commissioner Mandi, were among also present.