Indian Red Cross Society

The Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) is a voluntary humanitarian organization dedicated to protecting human life and health in India. It is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, sharing its Fundamental Principles and using the Red Cross emblem. Its mission is to provide relief during disasters and emergencies and to promote health and care for vulnerable people and communities. The Society has a network of over 700 branches throughout India, covering 36 state and union territory branches with district and sub-district units. It has run Youth and Junior volunteering programmes since its inception in 1920 and is closely associated with St John Ambulance India. The Society originated from the Joint War Committee, a collaboration between the St John Ambulance Association and the British Red Cross during World War I. It was established as an independent body through the Indian Red Cross Society Act, 1920, passed on 17 March 1920. Fifty founding members were nominated on 7 June 1920, with Sir William Malcolm Hailey as the first chairman. In 1947, some IRCS assets helped found the Pakistan Red Cross Society. The President of India serves as the Society's president, while the chairman, by convention, is the Minister of Health and Family Welfare. The National Managing Body, consisting of 18 members, oversees governance, and the Secretary General acts as chief executive.