Government Preparedness and Donations to the PM CARES Fund: Questions and Concerns

As a government servant, the decision to donate to the Indian Prime Minister's ldquo;Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fundrdquo; (PM CARES Fund) and other relief funds is a matter of genuine concern. When considering contributions, it is imperative to reflect on the government's preparedness and transparency, especially during times of emergency.

Government Fund Allocation and Preparation

For citizens like myself, who contribute a portion of their salary towards various relief funds, this raises several questions about governmental efficiency and preparedness. One of the major concerns is the allocation of resources and funds during emergencies. For instance, the Indian government has seen a swift call for donations from citizens for the PM CARES Fund and PM National Relief Fund (PMNRF). However, citizens are being asked to contribute funds to fight the deadly virus, while their own salaries are already partially deducted for the same purpose.

During my training at the National Academy of Indian Railway in Vadodara, we launched an initiative called One For Fifteen with funds contributed from our own pockets to aid in feeding the needy and providing personal protective equipment (PPEs) to combat the ongoing pandemic. My fiancée, who works for a multinational company, has also contributed significantly to the PM CARES Fund, highlighting our commitment to our nation during times of crisis.

While we are willing to donate our entire salaries if necessary, the concern lies in the government's readiness and preparedness for unforeseen situations. The government's approach to seeking funds from citizens as early as the second or third day of the lockdown raises questions about preparedness. It has been nearly a month since the virus reached India, yet the government was unprepared, with insufficient supplies of testing kits, PPE, masks, and sanitizers. This calls into question the government's ability to manage such situations without the need to rely on public donations.

Questions for the Government

The government's preparedness should not be solely based on the willingness of citizens to donate. Here are some questions that citizen donations should not answer:

Why are new relief funds being created if existing funds, such as PMNRF, are already in place? How exactly are the funds collected through PM CARES Fund being utilized to support affected citizens? Is the government's response to emergencies limited to fund-raising, or are they taking proactive measures to ensure citizens' safety and well-being?

As an informed citizen, these questions highlight the need for greater transparency and accountability in the way resources are managed during emergencies. The government should not solely rely on public donations; rather, consistent and proactive measures should be in place to support citizens during challenging times.

The time is now to evaluate the government based on its actions and performance during emergencies, which should be a key factor in any election. It is crucial for the government to demonstrate a clear and proactive approach to handle emergencies, including distributing necessary resources and ensuring the well-being of citizens, instead of relying on public donations.

By addressing these concerns and questions, we can foster a more transparent and responsible government that truly serves the needs of its citizens during times of crisis.