Red Cross plans action against logo violation

The Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) is gearing up to crack down on unauthorised use of its emblem.

The international humanitarian organisation has sought changes in the Geneva Conventions Act, 1960 for heavier penalties and action against violators.

"We want the fine to be raised from the paltry sum of Rs 500 to Rs 25,000. We also want the authority to report cases of violations rather than letting the onus be on the government only," said S P Aggarwal, secretary general, IRCS.

According to the Geneva Conventions Act, the 'red cross' is a protected emblem of the International Red Cross Society. Authorised users of the emblem include military medical services, their means of transport, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the national society medical units in the event of armed conflict.

"In states facing insurgency, vans using the red cross can gain access to strategic establishments. Such incidents can hit our credibility fatally," said an IRCS official.

After a nod from its parent bodies International Federation of Red Cross and International Committee of Red Cross, these suggestions of the IRCS will go to the health ministry for its approval.

The Geneva Act lays down guidelines in case of misuse of the emblem. A fine of Rs 500 can be levied or goods bearing the emblem can be confiscated. However, only the Indian government could inflict these penalties on the miscreants.

"We have spoken to the Medical Council of India (MCI), the Indian Medical Association (IMA), information and broadcasting ministry, pharmacists etc. We are using the strategy of persuasion plus deterrants," commented Aggarwal.