Transparency in PM CARES Fund: Questions and Demands for Public Disclosure
The debate over the transparency of the PM CARES Fund continues, with a growing chorus of voices demanding accountability and public disclosure of the funds collected. While some argue that the political leadership has taken appropriate steps in managing the fund, many citizens feel that more needs to be done to ensure transparency and public trust.
Who is Certifying the Expenditure?
A common argument is that high-ranking government officials have certified that the PM CARES Fund has been well spent, which is intended to provide assurance to the public. However, this argument falls short as it does not address the specifics of the fund's collection and allocation. Critics argue that without detailed accounting, public trust remains fragile.
One of the key issues is the lack of visibility into the actual amounts collected. While it is known that large sums were allocated, the precise details remain hidden. According to a recent analysis, at least Rs 9677.9 crore, or approximately 1.27 billion dollars, has been collected in the Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations (PM CARES) fund for COVID-19 relief. This amount was collected in the 52 days since the fund was announced on March 28, 2020. However, this is just a part of the story.
Knowledge and Guesswork
The actual amount collected is still shrouded in uncertainty. Estimates range from Rs 3100 crore to upward of Rs 6.5K crore, with no official figures provided. This ambiguity is frustrating for many citizens who believe that they have a right to know where their donations are going.
Many individuals feel that the current system does not align with their expectations. They argue that if people are being asked to donate, they should know how their contributions are being utilized. Moreover, citizens are expected to declare their income and assets, so why should the public funds collected through private donations be kept hidden?
RTI Applications and Legal Action
To address these concerns, several Right to Information (RTI) applications have been filed demanding that the PM CARES Fund be brought into the public domain. The applications highlight the importance of transparency and accountability in such funds.
A case has been filed in the Supreme Court to compel the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) to disclose the details of the fund's usage. The PMO has previously refused an RTI application, citing that the information does not fall under public scrutiny. However, many feel that such funds, especially those collected in times of emergency, should be subject to greater transparency.
The ethical concerns surrounding the refusal to disclose the details of the PM CARES Fund are significant. Some argue that it is morally wrong to conceal the information about such a large sum of money collected in a pandemic. If similar funds existed in the past, it is reasonable to expect that the current one should be held to the same standards of transparency.
Conclusion
The struggle for transparency in the PM CARES Fund is ongoing. While some may argue that the current leadership has done enough, the public clamor for more detailed information has not waned. As the debates continue, the ultimate goal must be to ensure that public funds are used efficiently and ethically, and that the people who have contributed to these funds have a clear understanding of their impact.