26 August, Kavrepalanchok.
The Annual General Assembly of Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS) was held at Banepa, Kavrepalanchok, from 25 to 26 August 2023. The Assembly directed the CEC to work over burning issues like the renewal of NRCS and amendment of the Statutes. For those actions, working committees were formed to steer the business.
A committee to formulate the NRCS Act was formed; and the decision was made to coordinate with the Government of Nepal, in collaboration with other relevant authorities, to bring the NRCS Act in place. The Assembly, furthermore, also appreciated the proposal to strengthen coordination and cooperation with IFRC, ICRC, and partner organizations to enhance the effective services of NRCS -especially in combating the widespread dengue and monsoon-related issues.
The Assembly determined to continue the campaign of providing free blood to the needy, making blood transfusion services more effective, accessible, of high quality, and technologically friendly, on the basis of the standard set by the Government.
The Assembly was chaired by the NRCS Chairperson Prof. Sudarshan Prasad Nepal, and was inaugurated by the Minister of Women, Children and Senior Citizens Surendra Raj Acharya –a Chief Guest of the Assembly.
Addressing the opening ceremony of the Assembly Hon’ble Minister Surendra Raj Acharya, Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens, praised the Red Cross Movement’s campaign for its continuous humanitarian service worldwide and its significant contribution to the enhancement of humanitarian values in Nepal. He further said, “Nepal Red Cross Society is a leading humanitarian organization in Nepal. It has been continuously providing humanitarian services for more than six decades. It’s amazing service journey of the Nepal Red Cross. The contribution of Nepal Red Cross for the promotion of humanitarian values is highly acknowledged.”
Monika Bhattarai Adhikari, vice-chairperson of the Social Welfare Council, expressed gratitude to Nepal Red Cross Society for its significant contributions to disaster management and other services in coordination with the Nepal government and various government agencies.
Deputy Head of District Coordination Committee of Kavrepalanchok, Chief District Officer of Kavrepalanchok district and other high-ranking officials of the Government of Nepal attended the Assembly. Similarly, representatives of NRCS 7 Province Chapters, 70 District Chapters (out of 77 District Chapters) and Junior/Youth delegates from Junior and Youth Red Cross Circles took part in the Assembly.
In the Assembly, NRCS Secretary-General Bhupati Lal Shrestha presented the progress report of the previous fiscal year and the proposed programs for the upcoming fiscal year; and Treasurer General Bir Bahadur Basnet presented the budgets. The reports of the Secretary General and Treasure General were approved by the Assembly.
Addressing the Assembly, the Chair NRCS Prof. Sudarshan Prasad Nepal, thanked all the participants for their contributions to fulfilling the NRCS’s legal obligations and making it easier for everyone involved in the Red Cross movement to remember their duty and commitment to humanity.
NRCS vice-chair Radha Nepali made the welcome speech, whereas another vice-chair Surendra Sing Ayre requested all the authorities to address the present issues of NRCS while delivering his speech to acknowledge all the dignitaries. Manoj Kumar Thapa, Deputy Secretary-General, hosted the Assembly.
