PM relief fund: Modi says emulate Gujarat model

Referring to the Gujarat model, Modi said that the selection of beneficiaries should be done in a more “comprehensive, scientific and humanitarian basis, giving priority to children, poor, and cases from government hospitals”.

“Life-threatening diseases should be accorded priority, and cases should be decided on need and merit,” the statement said. It was also decided a letter from the PM should be sent to all beneficiaries.

The fund was established in 1948 with public contributions to assist displaced persons from Pakistan. It is now utilised primarily to provide relief to families of those killed in natural calamities and to victims of major accidents and riots. The fund is entirely from public contributions and does not get any budgetary support.

Modi also reviewed the functioning of the other funds during Saturday’s meeting.