The Red Cross society has not taken kindly to its ubiquitous symbol being used by Indian Oil.
Kavita Bajeli-Datt
NEW DELHI: The Red Cross society has not taken kindly to its ubiquitous symbol being used by Indian Oil.
The Indian Red Cross Society has shot off a letter to the state-owned oil company, telling it to stop the use of the red cross emblem at its petrol pumps across the country.
"We have written to the chairman of Indian Oil telling him to direct petrol pump owners not to use the emblem from the outlets," a source in IRCS said.
The Geneva Conventions Act of 1960 makes unauthorized use of the Red Cross emblem or its imitation a punishable offence.
The official said there is a fine of Rs 500, besides forfeiture of the goods or vehicles on which the emblem has been used without authorisation.
N Srikumar, Indian Oil General Manager, Corporate Communications and Branding, said, "We have received a communication from the Red Cross and are finding a way to switch over. We have taken this positively."
The letter, which was sent last month, mentions that the chairperson should ensure the company's other medical establishments are also not using the red cross emblem, which is a protective symbol.
According to Lt Col Kishen Gulati, the honorary secretary of the Delhi branch of the IRCS, they are planning a massive campaign to create awareness about the emblem in Delhi.
"Many are not aware that the emblem is a protective symbol. To most people a red cross sign signifies medical services, which is wrong and unauthorised," Gulati said.
He said doctors, paramedics, hospitals, pharmacy and even veterinary services have been found to be using the red cross symbol.
"People use it because there is no awareness. We don't think that it is mischievous. It is true that most people find it easy to relate to the sign and they feel putting the symbol is the best way to get the message across," he said.
He said the symbol is universally known and signifies a neutral sign for people who are caught in a conflict situation.
"For them it is a protected status in situations of armed conflict and natural disasters. During the Gujarat riots people were not scared to come to us because we stand for impartial, independent and neutral stand," said Gulati, who was the man behind the changes at the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences and Moolchand flyovers from the red cross signs to a bold 'H', signifying hospitals.
"The authorities had displayed a red cross symbol at the flyovers to signify that hospitals are ahead, not knowing that was wrong," he said.
He said they have from time to time written to the Indian Medical Association and the Delhi Medical Association, but a major boost to their campaign was when the Drug Controller General wrote to the pharmacy association on its unauthorised use.
"Every year focus is on four states where intensive campaigns are carried out. But ignorance is still there," he said.
He said it is important that the sign is not misused because in conflict areas, terrorists could use a vehicle with the red cross sign to smuggle arms and ammunition.
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