Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF): A Lifeline for Disaster Victims and Medical Aid Seekers

Introduction

The Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) is a crucial initiative that provides immediate relief to families affected by natural calamities, major accidents, and riots. It also extends financial assistance to patients suffering from severe illnesses, ensuring they receive the necessary treatment at government or empaneled hospitals. This fund operates purely through voluntary public contributions and does not receive any budgetary support from the government.

The PMNRF has been instrumental in supporting millions of people across India, particularly during crises. Its transparent structure and efficient allocation of funds make it one of the most trusted relief mechanisms in the country. In this article, we will delve deeper into the history, purpose, eligibility criteria, donation process, and benefits of the PMNRF.

History of the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF)

The PMNRF was established in January 1948 following an appeal by the then Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Its primary purpose at that time was to assist displaced persons from Pakistan during the partition of India. Over the years, the fund has evolved and is now primarily utilized to provide relief to victims of natural disasters, accidents, riots, and medical emergencies.

Unlike other government relief schemes, the PMNRF was not constituted by the Parliament. Instead, it is recognized as a Trust under the Income Tax Act, managed directly by the Prime Minister of India along with multiple delegates responsible for ensuring fair and transparent disbursement of funds.

Purpose and Utilization of the PMNRF

The PMNRF is designed to offer immediate financial assistance in times of national emergencies. The key areas where the funds are utilized include:

1. Relief for Natural Disasters

The fund provides immediate monetary aid to families affected by natural disasters such as:

• Floods
• Cyclones
• Earthquakes
• Tsunamis
• Landslides

Victims receive financial support for food, shelter, rehabilitation, and healthcare to help them rebuild their lives.

2. Assistance to Victims of Major Accidents and Riots

The PMNRF extends financial relief to families of those who have lost their lives or suffered serious injuries due to:

• Train and road accidents
• Building collapses
• Terrorist attacks
• Communal riots

3. Financial Aid for Medical Treatment

Another significant function of the PMNRF is to provide financial assistance for medical treatment. The fund covers partial expenses for life-threatening diseases such as:

• Heart surgeries
• Kidney transplants
• Cancer treatment
• Burn and acid attack treatments

This support ensures that financially struggling patients receive quality healthcare at government and empaneled hospitals.

List of PMNRF empanelled hospitals

Eligibility and Application Process for Financial Assistance

Who Can Apply?

Any Indian citizen who has been affected by natural calamities, major accidents, or life-threatening diseases can apply for financial aid from the PMNRF. The application is open to:

• Families of disaster victims
• Individuals suffering from major illnesses
• Victims of riots or accidents

How to Apply?

To apply for financial assistance for medical treatment, the applicant must submit the following:

1. Application Form: Download form for Financial Assistance from PMNRF, Acid Attack Victims.
2. Two Passport-size Photographs: One pasted on the application and another attached separately.
3. Proof of Residence: A government-issued Aadhar card, voter ID, or utility bill.
4. Medical Certificate: Issued by a government or empaneled hospital, detailing the disease type and estimated cost of treatment.
5. Income Certificate: To verify financial eligibility.

Once submitted, the application is reviewed by PMNRF officials, and the final disbursement is made at the Prime Minister’s sole discretion, depending on fund availability and existing commitments.

Financial Assistance for Acid Attack Victims from PMNRF

The Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) extends financial aid of ₹1 lakh to female acid attack survivors. For male victims, financial assistance of up to ₹1 lakh is provided, depending on the severity of injuries and other relevant factors.

Eligibility Criteria

This financial assistance scheme has been in effect since October 8, 2016. Therefore, victims who suffered acid attacks before this date do not qualify for assistance under PMNRF.

Application Process

To apply for financial aid, victims (or their families) must submit a formal request through the District Administration to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, located in North Block, New Delhi.

The application must include the following documents:

• Completed Application Form (Download)
• Copy of FIR (First Information Report) related to the incident
• Medical Report verifying the extent of injuries
• Victim’s Bank Account Details for fund transfer
• Proof of Address

For minor victims or those who have lost their lives due to the attack, the bank account details of parents or the next of kin should be provided instead.

This initiative aims to offer crucial support to acid attack victims, helping them with medical expenses, rehabilitation, and recovery.

Management and Structure of PMNRF

The Prime Minister of India is the Chairman of the PMNRF and is assisted by officials and staff on an honorary basis. The fund is managed without any parliamentary interference and is solely dependent on public contributions.

Key Features of PMNRF Management

• The PMNRF operates from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), South Block, New Delhi-110011.
• It does not receive any budgetary allocations from the government.
• The fund is exempt under Section 10 and 139 of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
• Contributions made to PMNRF qualify for 100% tax deduction under Section 80(G) of the Income Tax Act.
• Permanent Account Number (PAN) of PMNRF : XXXXXX637Q.

How to Donate to the PMNRF?

The PMNRF accepts only voluntary donations from individuals and institutions. Contributions from government funds or public sector undertakings (PSUs) are not accepted.

Modes of Donation

You can donate to the PMNRF through the following methods:

1. Online Transfer: Donations can be made directly via UPI, net banking, or credit/debit cards through the official PMNRF website. PMNRF website – https://pmnrf.gov.in/.
2. Bank Transfer: Donations can be deposited in designated PMNRF collection banks.
3. Cheque or Demand Draft: Donations can be made via cheque/demand draft in favor of “Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund”. For this use Form for Donation to PMNRF.

Important Guidelines for Donors

• Conditional donations are not accepted. This means that a donor cannot specify how the funds should be used.
• If a donor deposits a donation directly in a PMNRF collection bank, they must email transaction details to pmnrf[at]gov[dot]in for a speedy tax receipt.

How to Make Donations in Foreign Currency to PMNRF

Individuals and organizations wishing to donate in foreign currency to the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) can do so through the designated account at Central Bank of India. The details of the account are as follows:

• Bank Name: Central Bank of India
• Branch: 66, Janpath, New Delhi – 110001
• Account Number: 1226769846
• IFSC Code: CBIN0280318
• SWIFT Code: CBININBBJAN

Steps to Follow After Making a Foreign Currency Donation

Once the donation has been successfully transferred, donors should send the following details via email to ‘pmnrf[at]gov[dot]in’ to ensure proper acknowledgment and record-keeping:

1. Full Name of the Sender
2. Complete Address
3. Name of the Ordering Institution/Bank
4. Transaction Reference Number
5. Amount Remitted (in Foreign Currency and Equivalent INR)
6. Date of the Transaction

Important Note

This account is exclusively for foreign currency donations. Donations in Indian Rupees (INR) should not be deposited into this account. Indian currency contributions must be made to the appropriate PMNRF account designated for domestic donations.

Benefits of Donating to the PMNRF

• 100% Tax Exemption : Contributions to PMNRF are eligible for 100% tax exemption under Section 80(G) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
• Direct Help to People in Need : The fund ensures quick and transparent disbursement of money to victims, making a direct impact on their lives.
• Contribution to National Welfare : By donating to the PMNRF, individuals and institutions contribute to national relief efforts during emergencies and medical crises.
• Trust and Transparency : Since the fund is managed directly by the Prime Minister, it has high credibility and accountability, ensuring that donations are utilized effectively.

Conclusion

The Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) plays a vital role in providing financial assistance to disaster victims, accident survivors, and patients requiring expensive medical treatments. Established in 1948, it has become a crucial mechanism for providing immediate relief to those in distress.

Since the fund operates purely on voluntary donations, public contributions are essential for its sustainability. By donating to the PMNRF, individuals not only receive tax benefits but also make a significant impact on the lives of people in need. Whether it is supporting a flood-affected family or helping a cancer patient receive treatment, every contribution to the PMNRF brings hope and relief to countless lives.

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