38.6c New Delhi, India, Sunday, August 31, 2025
Top Stories Supreme Court
Political NEWS Legislative Corner Celebstreet International Videos
Subscribe Contact Us
close
Executive

Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) Not A 'Public Authority' Under RTI Act, 2005: PMO

By ROCKY DAS      24 October, 2020 09:39 PM      0 Comments
Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) Not A 'Public Authority' Under RTI Act, 2005: PMO

The Prime Ministers National Relief Fund (PMNRF) was firstly instituted in 1948 with an appeal made by the then Prime Minister Late Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru for public contributions to assist help towards the displaced persons from Pakistan. Later on, the fund was being utilized to help and support the people affected by natural calamities like flood, cyclone. Earthquake etc. The fund was also being in use for the people killed or injured in major road accidents or communal riots.

Mr. Abhimanyu Srivastav has filed a petition regarding integrating the PMNRF into the RTI act, 2005. Mr. Srivastav has challenged in his petition to sought information related to the trustees of the PMNRF, documents related to the constitution of PMNRF. He has also further wanted the information regarding any of the opposition members who are or were being a part of the trustees in the PMNRF. 

An application has been filed by Retd. Commodore Lokesh Batra for seeking information about PMNRF through RTI. Deputy Secretary and appellate authority Amrik Singh observed that the RTI seeking information on PMNRF was filed on April 21. After he had examined the records, Singh noted that even after a considerable time, the final response has not been provided. The PMO is directed to provide the final response (on PMNRF) to the applicant within 25 working days from the date of issue of this letter, said Singh. 

Batra had sought a list of files that have details on the creation of PMNRF. He wanted files that have information on the conception, discussion and processes followed to date in PMNRF. He had requested for certified copies of complete files including noting where PMNRF was declared a Trust by the Income Tax Department and thereafter tax rebate was allowed (possibly in 1973).

In his RTI, Batra also asked for procedures and processes followed for the selection of the Chartered Accountant from time to time for conducting the audit. He wanted to know the years in which the audit was conducted and details of those who conducted the audit. Batra wanted documents, including notes, wherein the mid-eighties, the managing committee of PMNRF entrusted the entire management of PMNRF to the Prime Minister.

A single bench of the Delhi High Court noted that PMNRF was amenable in the RTI act, 2005. The order came to the reference to the plea filed by Aseem Takyar in 2011 while his petition has been rejected the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) stating that any information related to the PMNRF cannot be disclosed to the public in general and has not to be included in the RTI act, 2005. The verdict came into a split of judgments where Retired Justice Sunil Gaur observed that the PMNRF was not a public authority but Justice S Ravindra Bhat believed that it should be considered as a public authority and should be included in the RTI act, 2005.

Previously where the PMO has refused the PILs seeking information about the fund and clearly stated that it is not a Public authority at all now clarified that the PMNRF is not a public authority under the Section of 2(h) of the RTI act, 2005 and hence no one should seek or file any application to seek any information regarding such. Without revealing the information sought, the PMO disposed of the application stating: 

"Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) is not a public authority under the ambit of Section 2(h) of the RTI Act, 2005. However, relevant information in respect of PMNRF may be seen on the website pmnrf.gov.in"



Share this article:



Leave a feedback about this
TRENDING NEWS

words-spreads-faster-than-winds-sc-relies-on-testimony-of-neighbour-acquits-woman-in-dowry-harassment-case
Trending Judiciary
'Words spreads faster than winds,' SC relies on testimony of neighbour; acquits woman in dowry harassment case [Read Judgment]

SC acquits woman in dowry case, citing neighbour’s testimony: “Word spreads faster than wind” — conviction under Section 498A set aside.

30 August, 2025 05:54 PM
sc-refuses-to-entertain-plea-against-use-of-temples-land-funds-for-building-college-in-chennai
Trending Judiciary
SC refuses to entertain plea against use of temples' land, funds for building college in Chennai

SC refuses plea against use of Chennai temples’ land, ₹25 cr funds for building college, says using temple assets for education not improper.

30 August, 2025 06:01 PM

TOP STORIES

sc-restores-mandatory-20-percent-deposit-for-suspension-of-sentence-in-cheque-bounce-case
Trending Judiciary
SC Restores Mandatory 20% Deposit for Suspension of Sentence in Cheque Bounce Case [Read Order]

SC sets aside P&H HC order; rules 20% deposit mandatory for suspension of sentence in ₹8.65 crore cheque bounce case under NI Act.

25 August, 2025 12:35 PM
18-former-judges-write-to-union-home-minister-amit-shah-criticizing-his-remarks-on-justice-b-sudershan-reddy
Trending Judiciary
18 Former Judges write to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, criticizing his remarks on Justice B Sudershan Reddy

18 ex-judges write to Union HM Amit Shah, criticizing his remarks on Justice B Sudershan Reddy, stressing judicial independence and dignity.

25 August, 2025 03:09 PM
sc-stays-investigation-into-firs-against-csds-co-director-sanjay-kumar
Trending Judiciary
SC stays investigation into FIRs against CSDS co director Sanjay Kumar

SC stays probe into FIRs against CSDS co-director Sanjay Kumar over Maharashtra polling data post; says multiple cases show harassment motive.

25 August, 2025 03:14 PM
influencers-indulging-in-commercial-speech-cant-claim-fundamental-right-sc
Trending CelebStreet
Influencers indulging in commercial speech can't claim fundamental right: SC

SC: Influencers making commercial speech can’t claim fundamental rights; must apologize and act responsibly towards community sensitivities.

25 August, 2025 04:18 PM

ADVERTISEMENT


Join Group

Signup for Our Newsletter

Get Exclusive access to members only content by email