PM CARES Fund Contributions and Utilization: ₹912 Crore Collected in 2022-23

A Comprehensive Analysis for UPSC Aspirants

The Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations (PM CARES) Fund has been a focal point of discussion in India since its inception in March 2020. Conceived as a public charitable trust, the fund aims to provide relief during emergencies and calamities. In the financial year 2022-23, the PM CARES Fund collected ₹912 crore, reflecting its continued relevance in addressing India’s challenges. This eBook delves into the fund’s contributions, utilization, transparency, and implications for governance, equipping UPSC aspirants with a nuanced understanding of the topic.

The Genesis of PM CARES Fund

Background and Objectives
- Established to address emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic and other disasters.
- Focuses on funding relief efforts, research, and capacity-building initiatives in healthcare and disaster management.
Structure and Governance
- Operated as a public charitable trust with the Prime Minister as the ex-officio Chairman.
- Trustees include the Minister of Defence, Minister of Home Affairs, and Minister of Finance.
- Private and public sector companies, as well as individuals, contribute to the fund.
Legal Framework
- Registered under the Registration Act, 1908.
- Receives donations exempt under the Income Tax Act, 1961, and eligible for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) spending under the Companies Act, 2013.

Contributions in 2022-23

Overview of ₹912 Crore Collection
- Reflects public trust in the fund’s mission.
- Contributions from individuals, corporates, and organizations across India and abroad.
Corporate Contributions
- Significant contributions under CSR, particularly from sectors like healthcare, technology, and finance.
- Examples: PSU and private sector companies have regularly donated to PM CARES.
Public Contributions
- Widespread participation, including small donations from citizens.
- Philanthropic initiatives and campaigns to raise awareness about the fund.

Utilization of PM CARES Fund

Key Areas of Utilization in 2022-23
- Healthcare: Funding for oxygen plants, hospital infrastructure, and medical equipment procurement.
- Education: Initiatives like scholarships for children orphaned during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Disaster Management: Support for flood relief, earthquake rehabilitation, and other emergencies.
Impact Assessment
- Establishment of over 1,500 Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) oxygen plants in hospitals across India.
- Financial aid for vaccine development and distribution, enhancing pandemic preparedness.
- Support for disaster-affected regions, contributing to faster recovery.
Long-Term Goals
- Strengthening India’s disaster resilience and healthcare infrastructure.
- Promoting research and innovation for addressing future emergencies.

Transparency and Accountability

Criticisms and Concerns
- Lack of clarity on the utilization of funds and specific projects.
- Exclusion from the purview of the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
- Debate over classification as a public versus private entity.
Government’s Response
- Regular audits conducted by independent auditors.
- Public disclosure of contributions and major allocations on the official PM CARES website.
- Emphasis on the fund’s flexibility and efficiency in emergency response.
Suggestions for Improvement
- Enhanced transparency through detailed reports on fund utilization.
- Inclusion under RTI to build public confidence.
- Greater stakeholder involvement in decision-making processes.

PM CARES Fund in the Context of Governance

Significance for India
- A tool for rapid resource mobilization during emergencies.
- Complements existing disaster relief mechanisms, such as the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).
International Comparisons
- Similar initiatives like the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and global disaster relief funds.
- Lessons in transparency and accountability from international models.
Role in Cooperative Federalism
- Collaboration between the Union and State governments for fund utilization.
- Example: Oxygen plant installations coordinated with state health departments.

Relevance for UPSC Aspirants

Topics for Prelims
- Structure and legal framework of PM CARES Fund.
- Key allocations and initiatives under the fund.
Topics for Mains
- Role of PM CARES Fund in disaster management and healthcare.
- Issues of transparency and public accountability in fund management.
- Comparative analysis of PM CARES and other disaster relief mechanisms in India.
Approach for Essays and Interviews
- Balanced perspective highlighting achievements and areas for improvement.
- Integration of ethical dimensions, such as public trust and good governance.

Way Forward

Strengthening Transparency
- Publishing detailed annual reports and fund utilization breakdowns.
- Establishing third-party evaluation mechanisms.
Expanding Utilization Areas
- Addressing broader challenges, such as climate resilience and rural healthcare.
- Promoting innovation in disaster response technologies.
Building Public Trust
- Encouraging citizen participation and feedback on fund activities.
- Organizing awareness campaigns about the fund’s objectives and achievements.

Conclusion

The PM CARES Fund remains a pivotal instrument in India’s efforts to address emergencies and bolster disaster resilience. The ₹912 crore collected in 2022-23 underscores its role as a trusted platform for resource mobilization. For UPSC aspirants, understanding the nuances of its contributions, utilization, and governance is vital for tackling questions on disaster management, public policy, and ethics. By analyzing the fund from multiple dimensions, aspirants can develop a well-rounded perspective on this critical topic.

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PM CARES Fund Contributions and Utilization: ₹912 Crore Collected in 2022-23