Paper: GS – II, Subject: Governance, Topic: Government Policies, Issue: PMO on PM CARES.
Context:
The PMO has recently informed the Lok Sabha Secretariat that questions pertaining to the PM CARES Fund, the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF), and the National Defence Fund (NDF) are considered inadmissible in the Lok Sabha.
Key Takeaways:
| The Three Funds in Question: PM CARES (The Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund) Fund: This is a public charitable trust established to raise funds for national emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Prime Minister is the ex-officio Chairman of the PM CARES Fund. Donations to PM CARES Fund would qualify for 80G benefits for 100% exemption under the Income Tax Act, 1961. PMNRF (Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund): Established in 1948 to assist displaced people from Pakistan, it now primarily supports families affected by natural calamities, major accidents, and riots. PMNRF has not been constituted by the Parliament. The fund is recognized as a Trust under the Income Tax Act and the same is managed by Prime Minister or multiple delegates for national causes. PMNRF accepts voluntary contributions from Individuals, Organizations, Trusts, Companies and Institutions etc. All contributions towards PMNRF are exempt from Income Tax under section 80(G). NDF (National Defence Fund): The National Defence Fund (NDF) was set up in 1962 to take charge of the: This fund is used for the welfare of members of the Armed Forces and their dependents. It is administered by an Executive Committee chaired by the Prime Minister. |
Are the Bodies Covered Under RTI Act?
- The NDF is under the ambit of the Right to Information Act, 2005.
- The status of PM CARES and PMNRF under the RTI Act is currently pending in the Delhi High Court.
Implications and Concerns:
- Transparency & Accountability: Restricting questions on PM CARES/PMNRF may reduce scrutiny over how public donations are collected and spent.
- Parliamentary Independence: The directive may appear as executive influence on Lok Sabha functioning, potentially weakening its oversight role.
- Scope of Government Concern: Defining such funds as outside government purview could set a precedent to limit parliamentary questioning of similar bodies.
- Judicial Review: Courts are examining the legal status of these funds, especially regarding RTI applicability, which may decide future transparency norms.
The PMO’s directive on questions about PM CARES, PMNRF, and NDF raises concerns over transparency, accountability, and parliamentary independence. Rule interpretation, fund status, and possible judicial review will shape its long-term democratic and institutional implications.
Source: (The Indian Express)
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