(This News Article Was Originally Posted on Indian Express BY Shyamlal Yadav
Not only PSUs, academic institutions and public sector banks but also the three armed forces Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Indian Navy have contributed in a big way to the PM-CARES Fund. Together, the three services contributed Rs 203.67 crore from a day’s salary of their personnel.
While the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy provided information to under the RTI Act, the Indian Army did not respond to the RTI application.
The IAF, in its response dated November 25, stated that a total of Rs 29.18 crore was contributed from April to October by IAF personnel to PM Cares Fund.
It provided a monthly break-up of its contribution –April: Rs 25.03 crore; May: Rs 75.24 lakh; June: Rs 1.08 crore; July: Rs 73.93 lakh; August: Rs 61.18 lakh; September: Rs 50.27 lakh; and, October: Rs 46.70 lakh.
The Indian Navy, in its response dated December 9, stated that between April and October, a total of Rs 12.41 crore was contributed to PM-CARES Fund in respect of officers and sailors and Rs 4.36 crore in respect of civilian personnel of the Navy.
The Integrated Headquarters under the Ministry of Defence (Navy) stated that Contribution made from other heads is not available with the concerned directorate.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has approved a proposal for the contribution of one day salary by the employees of Ministry of Defence to the PM-CARES Fund to fight Covid-19.
It is estimated that around Rs 500 crore will be collectively provided by the Defence Ministry to the fund from various wings, including Army, Navy, Air Force, Defence PSUs and others. The employees’ contribution is voluntary and those desirous of opting out will be exempted.
