ECI clarifies stand on assistance under PM and CM relief funds

Bhopal: Election Commission of India has clarified its stand on assistance given for treatment of serious diseases from Prime Minister’s Relief Fund and Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. The commission has written to states’ Chief Electoral Officers and Chief Secretaries in this regard.

The commission said that Central and state governments provide assistance for treatment of serious diseases including cancer, heart surgery, kidney transplant etc. from PM and CM Relief Funds. Delay in this may endanger lives of patients. Keeping this in view, the commission has clarified that it has no objection to release of amounts for this purpose from Prime Minister’s Relief Fund and Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. Selection of patients eligible for this assistance should be made through a government officer or head of private hospital under prescribed procedure.