Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Apr 23: The state government, which has declared war against the deadly coronavirus infection, is waiting for contributions from generous donors to the CM's COVID 19 relief fund created by the chief minister to carry on its fight. Till now only Rs 164 crore has come into the account, which is far below the expectations. This includes Rs 30 crore received for Karnataka State Natural Disaster Management Authority under revenue department.

CMRF COVID-19 fund was created on March 23. Initially, donations were sought through NEFT and RTGS. Later even Google Pay, Phone Pe, PayTM, cheques, internet banking, online transfers etc were allowed as authorized forms for fund transfers. Even though the donations to the funds picked up since March 30, there has been sluggishness again in the inflow now.

B S Yediyurappa

Those who donate online get receipt immediately and a thanking letter goes from the chief minister's office. Chief minister B S Yediyurappa, has appealed to the non-resident Kannadiga’s to generously contribute to the fund. He has also requested Kannadiga’s settled in USA, Germany, France, Australia, Britain etc to donate to the fund on humanitarian grounds.

So far, the fund has received Rs 25 crore from KPTCL, Rs 18 crore from KPTCL Corporation, five crore rupees from Cooperative Apex Bank, five crore rupees from Karnataka Milk Federation and five crore rupees from Karnataka Power Corporation Ltd, who happen to the major contributors. The other contributions are three crores or less.

Those contributing to the fund get tax concession and exemption under corporate social responsibility. Considering that even poor people have been donating to the cause, the government has requested rich persons to be generous in contributing to this fund.