PM-CARES releases audit report, over Rs 3076 crore in fund; Chidambaram raises questions

Amid constant criticism against PM-CARES Fund, an audit report on Wednesday revealed that emergency fund has a balance of Rs 30,76,62,56,047. report informed that Rs 3076 crores were received till March 31. However, audit report failed to disclose amount received post March 31 till date. report available at fund's official report has also restricted details of dors from being made public. 

As per audit report, final balance of account is said to be Rs 30,76,62,56,047. Out of total amount, 30,75,85,32,045 has been received through domestic contributions while 39,67,748 Rs came in through foreign contributions. 

Soon after audit report was made public, veteran Congress leader criticised Centre for failing to disclose details of dors. In a series of tweets, former Finance Minister remarked that every Trust is 'obliged' to reveal names of dors contributing more than threshold amount. "Why is PM CARES FUND exempt from this obligation?" Chidambaram questioned. 

READ | 'Questioning PM-CARES Ar Example Of Rahul Gandhi's Immaturity': UP CM Yogi Adityanath 

SC judgement on PM-CARES

On August 18, a three-judge bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan had dismissed plea seeking transfer of funds from PM CARES and upheld that money cant be directed to be deposited or transferred to NDRF. petitioner NGO 'Centre for Public Interest Litigation' (CPIL) submitted before top court that y weren't doubting bonafide of anyone but creation of PM CARES Fund itself which was allegedly 'in contravention of provisions of Disaster Manment Act.'

READ | Hope SC Upholding Validity Of PM-CARES Fund Sends Out Mess 'loud And Clear': MoS PMO

Opposition, mainly Congress,  has been relentlessly attacking PM CARES fund questioning its transparency and demanding that it should be merged with PM National Relief Fund. Former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi had lashed out at Centre after PMO turned down an RTI request concerning PM CARES fund. He accused PM Modi of bolstering a culture against 'moral integrity.' Following his attack, former Congress President was criticised heavily by several BJP leaders including JP Nadda, who referred to him as a 'loser'.

READ | Rahul Gandhi Flays Centre After PMO Refuses To Give Information About PM CARES On RTI Plea

PM CARES fund 

Set up by Centre on March 28, PM Modi is Chairman of trust while Defence Minister, Home Minister, and Finance Minister are or members. All citizens including individuals, corporates, and organizations can contribute to this fund to augment relief efforts in wake of vel Coronavirus crisis. One can donate via bank transfer, UPI, Debit, and Credit Cards, and Internet banking. 

READ | Trivendra Rawat, CM Rupani Hit Out At Gandhi Family's 'Cheap Politics' Over PM-CARES Fund