Congress questions PM CARES fund; hits out as PM Modi extends Covid lockdown till May 3

Congress party on Tuesday questioned PM CARES fund that has been set up by PM Modi for accepting donations regarding COVID-19 asking Centre why a separate fund needed to be set up when re was already a Prime Minister's relief fund designated for emergency situations.

Posting a video on Twitter, Congress' Anand Sharma said, "One important thing which we want to say is that Centre should t discriminate between states during se times. First of all Prime Minister Relief Fund is re and Chief Minister Relief funds are re, money should go re. But PM made a separate fund (PM CARES) to put money re."

Read: PM Modi Extends India's Coronavirus Lockdown Till May 3; Anunces Additional Measures

'PM CARES money should be put in national relief fund'

"We want PM CARES money should be put in national relief fund which is audited and reported in parliament. y have said CSR funds can only go in PM CARES. It is unfair to Chief Ministers of various states. This decision to be left to industry leaders if y want to give in ir CSR contributions to  Prime Minister relief fund, Chief Minister's relief funds or PM CARES fund," he said. 

Read: PM Modi Anunces April 20 'Agnipariksha' For States & Districts As He Extends Lockdown

'40 crore could fall below poverty line'

Congress party also alleged that 40 crore Indians could fall below poverty line as a result of COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown, which has been extended till May 3. Quoting International Labour Organisation (ILO), Congress party's Anand Sharma urged Centre to act on extraordinary situation with an extraordinary response. "se are extraordinary times, an extraordinary challenge and it requires an extraordinary response from Government of India and that's why pack has to be expanded to ensure that Indian ecomy does t collapse once lockdown is lifted," said Anand Sharma in video. 

Read: PM Modi Extends Coronavirus Lockdown In India Till May 3; Watch His FULL ADDRESS

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