Odisha: Boudh Collector’s Letter Asking Medicine Shops To Donate To Red Cross Fund Stirs Row

Boudh: A letter written by Boudh Collector Satyaranjan Sahoo, seeking financial contribution from medicine shops in the district for the Red Cross Fund, has kicked up a controversy.

“Your valuable cooperation and contribution is solicited to increase the District Red Cross Fund. This fund is the major source of the District Administration for providing help to the needy and destitute people during their most vulnerable hour. It has been decided to increase and diversify the activities of District Red Cross Society by venturing into new areas of public services like Medical Camps, Sanitation Drives, Plantation Drives, Blood Donation Camps and other humanitarian activities which will benefit the common people of the district at large. To carry out these activities, it has been decided to maintain a pool of Rs 2 crores during the current financial year,” Sahoo wrote in the letter, according to a media report.

“Your past contributions to the District Red Cross Fund is highly appreciated. In order to ensure your participation in our future noble endeavors, you are being provided with an annual contribution target of sum of Rs 15 lakhs (@Rs. 10,000/ per Medicine Store) for the financial year 2022-23,” he added.