Overview

• The Indian Red Cross Society in Jammu & Kashmir continues to operate under outdated bureaucratic structures, with Deputy Commissioners acting as de facto Presidents instead of elected committees.
• The 2017 Red Cross Rules, aimed at democratizing and strengthening the organization, were adopted in J&K in 2022 but remain unimplemented, leaving the institution largely non-functional.
• J&K faces significant humanitarian vulnerabilities, including border conflicts, internal displacement, and limited infrastructure, underscoring the urgent need for an operational and prepared Red Cross.
• Advocates are demanding immediate implementation of the 2017 reforms, transparency in fund management, and the establishment of district-level emergency response teams to enhance crisis preparedness.
• The theme of World Red Cross Day 2025, 'Keeping Humanity Alive,' highlights the critical need for a war-ready, community-focused Red Cross in J&K to address escalating regional challenges.