Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations (PM CARES) Fund Trust on Wednesday decided to allocate Rs 3100 crore to tackle the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Out of the Rs 3100 crore, Rs.2000 crore will be earmarked for the purchase of ventilators, Rs. 1000 crores will be used for care of migrant labourers and Rs.100 crores will be given to support vaccine development.
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According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, 50000 Made-in-India’ ventilators will be purchased at a sum of Rs 2000 crores.
These ventilators will be provided to government run COVID hospitals in all States and Union Territories for better treatment of the critical COVID-19 cases, it added.
Meanwhile, the sum of Rs 1000 crore earmarked for strengthening the existing measures being taken for the welfare of the migrants and poorwill be provided to state governments and placed at the disposal of District Collectors or Municipal Commissioners.
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The money would be used for strengthening the efforts of the States and Union Territories in providing accommodation facilities, making food arrangements, providing medical treatment and making transportation arrangements of the migrants.
“State/UT-wise funds will be released on the weightage of (a) Population of the State/UT as per 2011 Census – 50%, weightage (b) Number of positive COVID-19 cases as on date – 40% weightage and (c) Equal share (10% weightage) for all states/UTs to ensure basic minimum sum for all states,” the statement said.
“The fund will be released to the District Collector/District Magistrate/Municipal Commissioner through the State Disaster Relief Commissioner of the States/UTs concerned,” it added.
Moreover, the sum of Rs 100 crore will be utilized under the supervision of Principal Scientific Advisor to help in the development of a much needed COVID-19 vaccine and provide support to the Indian academia, start-ups and industry who have come together in cutting-edge vaccine design and development.