New Delhi: Lot of misinformation and canards are being spread over PM CARES Fund accepting foreign donations, top govt sources claimed.

When it was announced that Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations (PM CARES) Fund will accept donations and contributions from individuals and organisations who are based abroad, it was interpreted as shift in India’s policy from the past of not accepting foreign donations for handling domestic crisis.

According to government sources, this is consistent with India’s policy with respect to Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). PMNRF has also received foreign contributions as a public trust since 2011.

This is consistent with India’s policy with respect to Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). PMNRF has also received foreign contributions as a public trust since 2011: Government Sources https://t.co/wlbMopVptC

— ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2020

“For those comparing this with previous instances of natural calamities, here is what the Official spokesperson had said on Aug 22, 2018- In line with the existing policy, the Government is committed to meeting requirements for relief and rehabilitation through domestic efforts. Contributions to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund and the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund from NRIs, PIOs and international entities such as foundations would, however, be welcome,” the sources said.

For those comparing this with previous instances of natural calamities, here is what the Official spox had said on 22 Aug 2018- “In line with the existing policy, the Govt is committed to meeting requirements for relief & rehabilitation through domestic efforts…”: Govt Sources https://t.co/wlbMopVptC

— ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2020

“In view of the interest expressed to contribute to government’s efforts, as well as keeping in mind the unprecedented nature of pandemic, contributions to the trust can be done by individuals and organisations, both in India and abroad,” sources said.

“A public charitable trust PM CARES Fund was set up in view of several spontaneous requests from India and abroad for making generous contribution to support the govt in its fight against COVID-19,” they added.

Last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had created PM CARES Fund and appealed to all the countrymen to show their support for the cause. The prime minister is the chairman of the trust and its members include the defence minister, the home minister and the finance minister. (ANI)