27/06/2025
PRESS RELEASE (ALONG WITH PICS)
Sukesh C. Khajuria challenges unlawful appointment of IRCS general secretary, calls for judicial intervention
Eminent Senior social and health activist Sukesh C. Khajuria, a staunch advocate for transparency and accountability in the health and medical sectors for over four decades, has raised serious objections to the appointment of Mr. Rohit Khajuria as General Secretary of the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), Jammu & Kashmir UT Branch. Labelling the appointment as “ultra vires” and a violation of the IRCS constitution, Khajuria has announced his intention to approach the Chief Justice of India (CJI) to seek redress and ensure compliance with legal and procedural norms.
In a Comprehensive letter/Representation addressed to Smt. Droupadi Murmu, Hon’ble President of India and President of the Indian Red Cross Society on world Health Day April 07,2025 . The official theme for world HEALTH DAY “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures” and Shri J.P. Nadda, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Chairman of the IRCS on world Red Cross Day May 08,2025 The Official Theme For World Red Cross Day 2025 is “Keeping Humanity Alive”. This Theme Emphasizes the dedication of Red Cross. Mr Sukesh C. Khajuria highlighted critical concerns regarding the malfunctioning of the IRCS J&K UT Branch. He specifically challenged the appointment of Mr. Rohit Khajuria, former Vice Chairman of the Jammu Development Authority (JDA), as General Secretary, an action taken by Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha, who also serves as President of the IRCS J&K UT Branch.
The appointment, effective from June 1, 2023, for a term of three years or until the Managing Committee appoints a General Secretary, was formalized through an order (No. GS-53/IRCS/23/1661–66) issued by the Lieutenant Governor’s Secretariat, Raj Bhavan Jammu, on May 23, 2023. Signed by Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the Lt. Governor, the copy of order was circulated to senior officials, including the Chief Secretary, Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir, Health Secretary, Deputy Commissioners, and all members of the IRCS J&K Managing Committee.
Khajuria argues that the appointment is procedurally flawed and legally invalid, as it contravenes the Indian Red Cross Society Act, 1920, and the IRCS rules adopted by the J&K UT Branch on May 27, 2022. According to the Act, the authority to appoint the General Secretary lies solely with the State Managing Committee (SMC), not the branch President, regardless of their constitutional position. Khajuria emphasized that the appointment was made without any consultation or discussion with the SMC, which was in place at the time of appointment, rendering it a clear violation of New Rules passed by Parliament and adopted by J&K Red Cross on 27-05-2022 and established protocols.
“No one is above the law,” Khajuria asserted, demanding that the pay and emoluments drawn by Mr. Rohit Khajuria that too with 750% monthly increase from his immediate Predecessor without the approval of the SMC be recovered from the Lt. Governor’s office. He further called for a legally valid appointment to be made by the Managing Committee in accordance with the IRCS constitution and rules. “The Indian Red Cross Society is a vital institution dedicated to humanitarian service, and its operations must adhere to the highest standards of transparency and legality,” he stated.
Khajuria’s challenge underscores his long-standing commitment to ensuring accountability in public institutions, particularly in the health and medical sectors. His decision to escalate the matter to the CJI reflects his determination to uphold the rule of law and protect the integrity of the IRCS in Jammu & Kashmir.
The activist has urged the authorities to take immediate corrective action to address the procedural lapses and restore public confidence in the functioning of the IRCS J&K UT Branch. He has also called on the Managing Committee to convene and appoint a General Secretary through a transparent and legally compliant process.
The Indian Red Cross Society, established under the Indian Red Cross Society Act, 1920, is a humanitarian organization dedicated to providing relief in times of disaster and promoting health and care for vulnerable communities. The J&K UT Branch operates under the national framework, with its activities governed by a State Managing Committee and guided by the IRCS constitution and rules.
Sukesh C. Khajuria further said that those responsible for taking cognizance in the system are acting as mere spectators. The nation and the society had to pay a bigger price for such failures and a bitter reality/truth of present day politics.
