BJP leader questions govt, seeks details of funds raised for flood relief under RTI

Senior BJP leader and former IAS officer SR Ladhar has filed an RTI (Right to Information) application seeking detailed information on the collection and utilisation of funds raised under the Punjab government’s ‘Mission Chardikala’ and ‘Rangla Punjab Fund’ for flood relief.

Ladhar questioned why the state government opted to create parallel private accounts instead of using the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF), which already enjoys legal recognition, has audit mechanisms and gets tax exemption under Section 80G.

In his RTI application, Ladhar has demanded certified copies of orders authorising the creation of these funds, details of bank accounts receiving donations, month-wise collection and expenditure reports, head-wise spending—including money allegedly spent on advertising and publicity rather than direct relief—and copies of audit reports. He also sought clarification on the tax-exempt status of donations and reasons for bypassing the CMRF. Additionally, he requested details of funds received by Punjab under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) since June 2023.

Commenting on the move, Ladhar said, “The Chief Minister owes an explanation to the people of Punjab. Donations were collected in private accounts when the CM Relief Fund already exists. People contributed with faith for flood victims, but the government seems to be spending crores on propaganda and advertisements. This is a betrayal of public trust.”

He further warned that if satisfactory answers are not provided, he would take the matter before the State Information Commission, and if needed, approach the courts for an independent probe. Ladhar emphasised that transparency in relief funds is not a political issue but a moral and legal duty towards the flood-affected and the donors who contributed.