Coronavirus outbreak: Defence Ministry staff to contribute one day salary to PM CARES Fund

employees of Ministry of Defence will contribute ir one day salary to recently launched PM-CARES Fund which is estimated to mobilise around Rs 500 crore. proposal for same was approved by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday. PM Modi has urged Indians to donate generously to Fund in wake of coronavirus outbreak.

In a statement, MoD said that contribution to fighting COVID-19 pandemic "will be collectively provided by Defence Ministry to (PM CARES) fund from various wings, including Army, Navy, Air Force, Defence PSUs and ors".  It added that employees' contribution is voluntary and those desirous of opting out will be exempted.

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PM CARES Fund

PM Narendra Modi on Saturday launched Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM CARES Fund), where citizens can contribute to aid  government's efforts in supporting those affected by calamities like  Coronavirus outbreak. This fund will provide relief to affected from any walk of life dealing with any kind of emergency or distress situation.

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Coronavirus crisis

As of date, India has reported over 979 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19. Out of all states, Kerala and Maharashtra have reported most in country. Meanwhile, 25 people have died so far due to infection. In wake of outbreak, PM Modi last week declared a nationwide three-week lockdown that will run through April 15.

(PTI photo)

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