Rahul Gandhi flays Centre after PMO refuses to give information about PM CARES on RTI plea

On Monday, former Congress president Rahul Gandhi lashed out at Centre after PMO turned down an RTI request concerning PM CARES fund. He accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of bolstering a culture against moral integrity. Gandhi was referring to RTI activist Commodore (retd.) Lokesh Batra's RTI request asking for total number of RTI applications and appeals received and disposed of in PMO since April 2020.

While PMO provided overall data, it denied information pertaining to PM CARES fund and Prime Minister's National Relief Fund. PMO's Chief Public Information Officer stated that this data is t available in a compiled form. Moreover, it was argued that collection and compilation of this information shall disproportionately divert resources of PMO from efficient discharge of its rmal functions.

Read: SC Reserves Order On Plea For Transferring Funds Collected In PM CARES To NDRF

What is PM CARES fund? 

Called  Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund, this charitable trust was set up by Centre on March 28. While PM Modi is Chairman of this trust,  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.

donation to PM CARES fund is exempted from Income Tax under Section 80(G). Additionally, PM Modi specified that fund would t only cater to similar situations in future but would also help strengn disaster manment capacity. One can donate via bank transfer, UPI, Debit and Credit Cards, and internet banking. 

Read: 'How Much Money Was Given To Labourers From PM CARES Fund?' Kapil Sibal Asks PM Modi

Allocation of Rs.3100 crore

PM CARES Fund Trust on May 13 decided to allocate Rs.3100 crore for fight against vel coronavirus. While Rs.2000 crore was earmarked for purchase of 50,000 'Made-in-India' ventilators, Rs.1000 crore will be used for care of migrants. Additionally, Rs.100 crore will be dedicated to development of COVID-19 vaccine under supervision of  Principal Scientific Advisor. PM Modi has thanked all dors for ir generosity in contributing to PM CARES Fund. 

Read: FIR Lodged Against Congress Chief Sonia Gandhi Over Party's Attacks Against PM CARES Fund