GS Paper 2
Topics Covered: Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.
Context:
Recently, the Central government informed the Delhi High Court that the PM CARES Fund is “not a fund of Government of India and the amount does not go in the Consolidated Fund of India”.
Background:
The Centre’s affidavit came in response to a petition filed before the high court seeking to declare PM CARES as a ‘public authority’ under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
What has the government said?
Irrespective of whether the trust is a “State” or other authority within the meaning of Article 12 of the Constitution of India and or whether it is a ‘public authority’ within the meaning of section 2[h] of Right to Information Act, Section 8 in general and that of provisions contained in sub section [e] and [j], in particular, of the Right to Information Act, it is not permissible to disclose third party information.
- And, to ensure transparency, the audited report is put on the official website of the trust along with the details of utilisation of funds received by the trust.
About PM-CARES:
The Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations (PM-CARES) Fund was set up to accept donations and provide relief during the Covid-19 pandemic, and other similar emergencies.
PM-CARES Fund:
- PM-CARES was set up as a public charitable trust with the trust deed registered on March 27, 2020.
- It can avail donations from the foreign contribution and donations to fund can also avail 100% tax exemption.
- PM-CARES is different from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
Who administers the fund?
Prime Minister is the ex-officio Chairman of the PM CARES Fund and Minister of Defence, Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Finance, Government of India are ex-officio Trustees of the Fund.
Insta Curious:
What is ‘public authority’ under RTI? Reference: read this.
InstaLinks:
Prelims Link:
- What is a public account?
- Who administers PM CARES fund?
- Which organisations are exempted from the ambit of RTI act?
- What is Consolidated fund of India?
- What is a charitable trust?
- About NDRF.
Mains Link:
Discuss why PM CARES fund should be brought within the ambit of RTI act?
Sources: the Hindu.
