The PM CARES Fund Trust makes its first move on Wednesday decided to allocate Rs 3,100 crore for combat against the Covid-19 pandemic and the amount will be used, among other things, to purchase ventilators and caring for migrant workers, the Prime Minister’s Office said.
Out of Rs 3,100 crore, a sum of approximately Rs.2000 crore will be earmarked for the purchase of ventilators, Rs. 1000 crores will be used for the care of migrant labourers and Rs.100 crores will be given to support vaccine development.
a) 50,000 Ventilators
For augmenting the infrastructure to tackle COVID-19 cases across the country,50000 ‘Made-in-India’ ventilators will be purchased from PM CARES Fund at a cost of approximately Rs. 2000 Crores. These ventilators will be provided to government-run COVID hospitals in all States/UTs, for better treatment of the critical COVID-19 cases.
b) Relief Measures for Migrants
For strengthening the existing measures being taken for the welfare of the migrants and poor, the States/UTs will be given lump sum assistance of total Rs. 1000 Crore from PM CARES Fund. This amount would be provided to the State Governments/UTs to place it at the disposal of the District Collectors/Municipal Commissioners for strengthening their efforts in providing accommodation facilities, making food arrangements, providing medical treatment, and making transportation arrangements of the migrants. State/UT-wise funds will be released on the weightage of (a) Population of the State/UT as per 2011 Census – 50%, weightage (b) Number of positive COVID-19 cases as on date – 40% weightage and (c) Equal share (10% weightage) for all states/UTs to ensure basic minimum sum for all states. The fund will be released to the District Collector/District Magistrate/Municipal Commissioner through the State Disaster Relief Commissioner of the States/UTs concerned.
c) Vaccine Development
A vaccine against COVID-19 is the most pressing need and Indian academia, start-ups, and industry have come together in cutting-edge vaccine design and development. To support the COVID-19 vaccine designers and developers, an amount of Rs. 100 Crore will be given from PM CARES Fund as a helping hand to catalyse vaccine development, which will be utilized under the supervision of the Principal Scientific Advisor. The government statement said.
The PM CARES Fund, formed by the cabinet on March 27, is managed by a trust with PM Modi as its chairperson and senior cabinet members as trustees.
The fund, which accepts tax-free donations from individuals and corporates, has seen several high-profile contributions from almost all major industrial groups, movie stars, and government departments since the coronavirus outbreak.
There have been several appeals from the Prime Minister, corporates, and noted public figures to contribute to the fund. Employees of state-run companies have also been urged to donate to the fund.
(Source: PMO India)
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