CM sets up relief fund, asks Centre for tax exemption

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 24

Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Tuesday set up Punjab CM Covid Relief Fund as a separate entity for donations to fight the crisis in the state.

While appealing to the people to donate generously to the fund, the Chief Minister sought from the Centre exemption for the same on the lines of the exemptions provided to the CM Relief Fund.

According to a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office, the Covid relief fund account would enable people to make contributions electronically through various payment gateways facilitating quick and easy transfer.

All contributions may be made to the account in the name of “Punjab Chief Minister Covid Relief Fund”; account no: 50100333026124; account type: savings; IFSC code: HDFC0000213; swift code: HDFCINBB; branch code: 0213; branch name: Chandigarh, Sector 17 C.

Thanking the people, the Chief Minister said their instant response to assist the government and their fellow Punjabis in his hour of distress would go a long way in mitigating their hardships to a large extent.

He appealed to all the people to donate generously in the fund, which would be utilised for the welfare of families and people in distress due to the lockdown. He also called upon the people to work towards helping their Punjabi fellows in this difficult time. He said the people’s contribution to the fund would be a welfare step for the poor and the under-privileged during this critical period of curfew/lockdown.

‘Centre doing little’

Capt Amarinder has expressed disappointment over the announcements made by the Union Finance Minister, terming these inadequate to address the concerns of the people, businesses and industry.

“The announcements made by Nirmala Sitharaman do not fully reflect the concerns in the prevailing situation,” said the Chief Minister, underlining the need for a comprehensive package to build the confidence of all sectors of the economy and support the underprivileged.

Lockdown need of the hour: Capt

Capt Amarinder Singh has welcomed the 21-day country-wide lockdown announced by PM Narendra Modi. He said, “The lockdown is necessary to save millions of lives from the deadly virus. It is imperative to break the coronavirus cycle, but it is equally important to support those left with no means to fulfill their daily basic needs.”