Context:
A directive from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) stating that questions regarding the PM CARES Fund, PM National Relief Fund (PMNRF), and National Defence Fund (NDF) should be treated as inadmissible in the Lok Sabha has raised debates regarding parliamentary oversight and transparency.
Key Highlights:
- PMO Directive to Lok Sabha Secretariat
- The PMO instructed that questions about PM CARES, PMNRF, and NDF should not be admitted in Lok Sabha.
- The justification is that these funds consist of voluntary public contributions rather than government budget allocations.
- Rules Governing Parliamentary Questions
- Rule 41 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha governs the admissibility of questions.
- The Lok Sabha Secretariat initially examines questions, but the Speaker has the final authority to decide admissibility.
- Legal and Transparency Issues
- The National Defence Fund (NDF) is under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.
- The legal status of PM CARES and PMNRF regarding RTI coverage is currently under consideration in the Delhi High Court.
- Parliamentary Procedure
- Once a question is admitted, the concerned ministry must respond within 15 days.
- The Secretariat maintains records of questions received and answered during parliamentary sessions.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- PM CARES Fund (Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund)
- Created in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Functions as a public charitable trust to address emergency situations.
- Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF)
- Established in 1948.
- Provides financial assistance to victims of natural disasters, accidents, and riots.
- National Defence Fund (NDF)
- Established in 1962 during the India-China war.
- Supports welfare of armed forces personnel and their families.
- Consolidated Fund of India
- The main account of the Government of India.
- All revenues received and expenditures made by the government are credited or debited from it.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Importance of Parliamentary Questions
- Parliamentary questions are a key instrument of legislative oversight.
- They enable MPs to seek accountability from the executive branch.
- Promote transparency in governance and public administration.
- Concerns Raised by the Directive
- Limiting questions may reduce parliamentary scrutiny of public funds.
- Raises concerns regarding transparency and institutional accountability.
- Potentially sets a precedent for restricting legislative oversight.
- Governance and Accountability Debate
- Balancing administrative autonomy of charitable funds with public accountability requirements.
- Ensuring transparency where funds involve public contributions and government officials.
- Way Forward
- Establish clear legal frameworks for accountability and transparency of public trusts associated with the government.
- Strengthen institutional mechanisms for parliamentary oversight.
- Ensure public disclosure of fund utilization and audit processes.
UPSC Relevance:
• GS Paper 2 – Polity: Parliamentary procedures, legislative oversight, and executive accountability.
• GS Paper 2 – Governance: Transparency and accountability in public institutions.