Even though disasters can be man-made or natural and are burgeoning, the country has taken various measures to mitigate frequencies and even aftermaths. The measures have taken different shapes such that all victims can benefit.
One of these is the Disaster Relief Fund for India. This post highlights various schemes the government has rolled out to offer victims enough relief funds for disaster mitigation.
PMNRF or Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund
The PMNRF was established through public participation in 1948. This was in response to the appeal by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, the then prime minister, to help displaced people from Pakistan.
Another objective of this scheme is to offer relief funds for disaster management to people affected by man-made or natural disasters who have lost their loved ones. Natural disasters include floods and earthquakes, while man-made disasters include riots and terrorist attacks.
PMNRF is also used to cover costly medical treatment bills like heart surgeries, kidney transplantation, acid attacks and cancer treatment.
• Constitution of Trust
Under the Income Tax Act of 1961, this is a type of disaster relief fund for India that is identified as a Trust. It’s managed by the prime minister or several delegates for state causes.
• Contribution to the fund
All contributions to The PMNRF are made by the Indian citizens, and budgetary donations of public sector enterprises aren’t allowed. Furthermore, conditional contributions made for particular functions aren’t allowed.
The funds are invested in various types with scheduled commercial banks and other organisations.
Due to its unique geoclimatic traits, India is always vulnerable to natural disasters. Droughts, floods, earthquakes, landslides and cyclones are common occurrences. In case of any disaster, a responsible government will bear the primary duty to provide relief and rehabilitation to the victims through Disaster Relief Fund for India.
