Context
Transparency concerns have resurfaced after it was reported that the PM CARES Fund has not publicly uploaded its audited financial statements beyond FY 2022–23. Activists have questioned the absence of recent audit reports and sought greater public disclosure of the Fund’s finances.
PM CARES Fund
| Particular | Details |
| Full Name | Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations (PM CARES) Fund |
| Established | March 2020 |
| Nature | Public Charitable Trust |
| Purpose | To provide relief during public health emergencies, natural disasters, and other emergency situations |
| Funding Source | Entirely through voluntary contributions from individuals, organizations and institutions |
| Chairperson | Prime Minister of India |
| Ex-officio Trustees | Defence Minister, Home Minister and Finance Minister |
Objectives of PM CARES Fund
- Provide emergency assistance during disasters and public health crises.
- Support healthcare infrastructure, including critical medical equipment.
- Finance disaster preparedness, relief and rehabilitation measures.
- Support research and capacity-building during national emergencies.
Major Utilisation of Funds
- Procurement of medical oxygen plants.
- Purchase of ventilators and other medical equipment.
- Vaccine research and related health initiatives.
- Assistance during natural disasters and emergencies.
Governance & Audit
- The Fund is managed by a Board of Trustees.
- Accounts are audited annually by an independent Chartered Accountant appointed by the trustees.
- Audited statements up to FY 2022–23 have been publicly released; subsequent reports have not yet been uploaded on the official website.
PM CARES and Right to Information (RTI)
- The Central Government has maintained that PM CARES Fund is not a “Public Authority” under Section 2(h) of the RTI Act, 2005.
- Therefore, it is not directly subject to RTI obligations.
- The Fund is also not audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG).
| Important CTC from this article for UPSC: PM CARESComptroller and Auditor General (CAG) |
Q. With reference to the Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations (PM CARES) Fund, consider the following statements:
1. It was established in 2020 as a Public Charitable Trust to provide relief during emergencies and disasters.
2. It receives funds through voluntary contributions and is financed through the Consolidated Fund of India.
3. Its accounts are audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India.
4. The Union Government has maintained that PM CARES Fund is not a "Public Authority" under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 4 only
B. 1, 2 and 4 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 3 and 4 only
Answer: A. 1 and 4 only
• Statement 1 is Correct: PM CARES Fund was established in March 2020 as a Public Charitable Trust to provide relief during public health emergencies, natural disasters, and other emergencies.
• Statement 2 is Incorrect: The Fund is financed entirely through voluntary contributions and not through the Consolidated Fund of India.
• Statement 3 is Incorrect: PM CARES Fund is not audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG); its accounts are audited by an independent Chartered Accountant appointed by the trustees.
• Statement 4 is Correct: The Union Government has stated that PM CARES is not a "Public Authority" under Section 2(h) of the RTI Act, 2005, and therefore is not directly subject to RTI obligations.