PM CARES Fund – PM’s Citizen Assistance & Relief in Emergency Situations Fund
The PM CARES Fund, or the Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund, is a public charitable trust established in India. It was created on March 28, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The fund was set up with the primary objective of providing relief and assistance to those affected by the COVID-19 outbreak and to support efforts to combat the pandemic in India.
The PM CARES Fund accepts voluntary contributions from individuals, organizations, and institutions, both domestically and internationally. Donations to the fund are eligible for tax benefits under Indian income tax laws. The fund’s management and allocation of resources are overseen by a board of trustees, with the Prime Minister of India serving as the ex-officio chairman.
The PM CARES Fund has been utilized to support various initiatives and programs aimed at addressing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. These initiatives include providing healthcare infrastructure and medical equipment, supporting frontline healthcare workers, facilitating the vaccination drive, and extending financial assistance to individuals and families affected by the pandemic.
Additionally, the fund has been used to support research and development efforts for vaccines and treatments, as well as to provide relief to vulnerable groups such as migrant workers, daily wage earners, and those facing economic hardships due to the pandemic.
While the establishment of the PM CARES Fund has been met with both support and criticism, it continues to play a significant role in India’s response to the COVID-19 crisis, providing crucial resources and support to combat the pandemic and mitigate its impact on communities across the country.
