Red Cross inactive in Haveri for many years

Haveri: The Red Cross in the district has not carried out any activities that the organisation is supposed to be engaged in, since the last half-decade. The organisation’s general body meeting has not been called in four years. The organisation’s building is in a dilapidated condition, and has no electricity, drinking water connection, compound wall, and other facilities.
According to sources, the Red Cross building was constructed in the city’s outskirts at a cost of Rs 15 lakh, under the CMC’s 13th finance grant.The building has become a den for illegal activities, but no action has been taken.
“The committee of Red Cross in Haveri was formed illegally and without consultation with the members. Normally, members are supposed to elect Red Cross office-bearers every three years, but the committee has not called a general body meeting for the last four years, and has not submitted an annual report. The members are unaware of the activities of the organisation, because the sitting committee has not informed its members,” said Ravi Menasinakai, one of its members and an advocate.
He alleged that the committee had not changed its members, even after their tenure was over. Following this, the Red Cross Haveri unit has become idle for the last four to five years. “We have appealed to the deputy commissioner to call a general body meeting as early as possible, but the DC is yet to respond to our demand. The DC, who is the unit’s president, should call a general body meeting and form a new committee,” said Ravi Menasinakai.
“The Red Cross building here is surrounded by empty liquor bottles, and waste, because it has been turned into a bar. Many people have been gathering here to consume alcohol. There is no proper road to reach the building. The authorities need to pay attention to the situation immediately,” appealed Prabhu Hitnalli, a member.
Sanjeev Neeralagi, chairman of Red Cross Haveri, said that the organisation was not inactive in Haveri. “We provided oxygen concentrators and pulse oximeters to the district administration to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic recently. However, I requested the DC to call a general body meeting, and we are waiting for the same,” he added.
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Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are unable to call general body meetings. We need to increase membership for the Red Cross in Haveri. I will call a general body meeting after Covid-19 guidelines are relaxed.”
-Sanjay Shettannavar, deputy commissioner, Haveri