Thus far, the government had been only open to contributions from “NRIs, PIOs and international entities such as foundations”. “Contributions to the Prime Minister's Relief Fund and the Chief Minister's Relief Fund from NRIs, PIOs and international entities such as foundations would, however, be welcome," the MEA spokesperson had added. During the 2004 Tsunami as well, PM Manmohan Singh’s government had similarly decided not to accept foreign contributions, pointing out that India had gone from being an “aid-taker to aid-giver”. On March 28, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations (PM-CARES) Fund, putting aside the ‘Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF)’. Mr. Modi had made a personal appeal on social media and directed Indian missions worldwide to invite contributions for the fund.

Source: The Hindu April 15, 2020 18:00 UTC