“The PM CARES Fund is not a public authority,” Says PMO Office

The RTI was filed by the Bengaluru law student in April, seeking details about the constitution of the PM’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in ESF

MUMBAI| On Friday Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Office refused to provide details about the PM CARES Fund created to tackle the coronavirus pandemic to a Right to Information applicant, saying that the reserve was not a “public authority” under the RTI Act.

The RTI was filed by the Bengaluru law student in April, seeking details about the constitution of the Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund. The applicant had asked for copies of the fund’s trust deed and all government orders related to its creation and functioning.

The PMO said in response to the RTI, “The PM CARES Fund is not a public authority under the ambit of section 2(h) of the RTI Act, 2005.” “However, relevant information in respect of the fund may be seen on the website pmcares.gov.in.”

Under the RTI Act, a public authority is an organisation established (A) under or by the constitution (B) by any other law made by the parliament or (C) by a notification or order issued by the government. The definition also covers organisations financed substantially by the government and non-government organisations.

Last month, the government said that the fund will not be audited by the comptroller and Auditor General of India since it was based on donations of individuals and organisations, NDTV reported.

The PM CARES Fund was created on March 28, with the prime minister as its chairperson and senior cabinet members serving as trustees. Opposition parties have questioned the need to create the reserve when Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund is already in existence. They had also expressed doubts about the fund’s transparency.