New Delhi: In the wake of coronavirus outbreak, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday approved a proposal for the contribution of one day salary by the employees of Ministry of Defence to the PM-CARES Fund to fight Covid-19.
It is estimated that around Rs 500 crore will be collectively provided by the Defence Ministry to the fund from various wings, including Army, Navy, Air Force, Defence PSUs and others, a defence official said.
The employees’ contribution is voluntary and those desirous of opting out will be exempted, the official said.
Mr Singh also said he will donate his one month salary to PM Cares Fund.
In a tweet he said, “I have decided to donate my one month salary to the PM-CARES fund. You can also contribute in this fund and strengthen India’s resolve to fight against the menace of COVID-19.”
The minister also asked the MPLADs Chairman to release fund for purchase of required things in treating covid-19.
“I have also asked the Chairman MPLADs, to release Rs 1 crore from my MPLADs fund to this fund,” he said.
Railway Minister Piyush Goyal also tweeted, “Following PM @NarendraModi ji’s call, I, & MoS Suresh Angadi will donate 1 month’s salary & 13 lakh railway & PSU employees will donate 1 day’s salary, equal to ₹151 cr, to PM-CARES fund. My grateful thanks to my colleagues & we all pray that our country remains safe and healthy.”
