Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge raised concerns regarding the expenditures of the PM CARES Fund after the release of its financial statement for the fiscal year 2024-25. In a statement on August 20, Kharge highlighted that the fund, which is meant for emergencies, had a reported closing balance of approximately Rs 8,452 crore. He pointed out that only Rs 87.85 lakh had been spent in that fiscal year, arguing for increased accountability and transparency.

During his critique, Kharge referred to the purported misappropriation of donations for the Ram Mandir Trust, questioning the Prime Minister’s oversight of both the trust and the PM CARES Fund. He remarked that the expenditure constituted a mere 0.01 per cent of the fund’s total balance, which he believed raised questions about the fund’s intended purpose as a financial resource for emergencies.

Kharge’s post on social media included pointed questions regarding why a fund created for urgent situations accumulated a considerable amount of money without appropriate utilisation. He characterised the PM CARES Fund as lacking in public accountability, indicating that it was not subject to scrutiny under the Right to Information Act, or to audits by the Comptroller and Auditor General or Parliament.

Allegations of Lack of Transparency Raised

In his statement, Kharge stated, “The Prime Minister is its Chairman, and the Defence, Home, and Finance Ministers serve as its Trustees.” He added that the fund accepts contributions from corporate social responsibility initiatives as well as tax-deductible donations. This structure, according to him, should warrant greater transparency and public oversight.

He requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to clarify why a fund associated with his name continues to evade what he termed the “ordinary mechanisms of public scrutiny.” Kharge’s comments suggest a perceived disconnect between the fund’s purpose and its management.

Asserting that it is vital for public trust, he expressed frustration at the accumulation of funds without sufficient explanation of its operational framework. His questions called into focus the significance of governance and accountability in public charitable trusts.

Overview of PM CARES Fund’s Objectives

The Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM CARES Fund) was established to address emergency situations, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and to provide relief to affected individuals. Officially registered under the Registration Act of 1908 in New Delhi on March 27, 2020, the trust was intended to serve as a centralised mechanism for donations and aid distribution during national crises.

Reports indicate that the fund received both domestic and international donations during the fiscal year while also generating interest from bank savings and fixed deposits, adding to its substantial closing balance. However, the ratio of expenditures compared to total funds raised has become a focal point of criticism from various quarters.

By bringing attention to these issues, Kharge’s statements have rekindled discussions regarding the financial oversight of government-related charitable trusts. The effectiveness and transparency of funds allocated for public welfare initiatives are crucial topics in contemporary political discourse.

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