Ministry of Health & Family Welfare reiterates that it has zero tolerance policy against corruption and financial irregularities. It has been noted that certain allegations have been marked against Indian Red cross society and regional branches. Ministry would like to clarify that Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry has been initiated in these cases. States involved are Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Assam and Karnataka. Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry initiated in 5 states/UTS After prompt action by respective authorities, other issues have also been Regional branches tackled in a timely manner.
Tamil Nadu:
Serious allegations in the functioning of the State Branch were found by Hon’ble Governor of Tamil Nadu and requested the National Headquarters (NHQ) in July 2020
for approval under Prevention of Corruption Act to enable CBI to investigate.
The accused Chairman and other office bearers of Tamil Nadu State Branch obtained stay from Hon’ble High Court in Chennai against investigation by CBI.
The stay stands vacated in June 2022. Currently, the chairman has resigned and the matter is with CBI.
Governor has also dissolved the state managing committee and replaced it with Adhoc committee.
Kerala::-
A case of misappropriation of funds in 2019 allegedly by chairman and vice-chairman led to National Headquarters recommending dissolution of State Managing committee. Now, a new Managing committee is in place after the makeshift interim committee under the High court judge was made just after dissolution of state committee.
Andaman & Nicobar Islands:-
General Secretary of Andaman & Nicobar U.T. Branch was holding on to his position
for a long time without proper elections. Based on a complaint, the matter was referred to the Lt. Governor of A&N Islands.
On the recommendations of the Lt. Governor and with the approval of Hon’ble Chairman, General Secretary was removed.
Assam:-
Delay in election of state managing committee and a land dispute led the managing body members to visit Assam and apprise the governor of the issues pertaining to the branch.
The high Court ordered for election and now a new State managing committee is in place.
Karnataka:-
A trust was registered in the name of Red Cross by former Chairman of State branch.
After lodging an FIR the trust stands dissolved.