PolitySource: Indian Express
Inadmissibility of Questions Regarding Certain Government Funds in Lok Sabha
Wednesday, 11 February 2026
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The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has declared questions about the PM CARES Fund, PMNRF, and NDF inadmissible in the Lok Sabha, citing that these funds are financed through voluntary public contributions and do not draw from the Consolidated Fund of India. This decision has raised concerns about government accountability and parliamentary oversight.
Detailed Coverage
- PMO informed Lok Sabha that questions about PM CARES Fund, PMNRF, and NDF are inadmissible.
- Funds are financed through voluntary public contributions.
- Do not draw from the Consolidated Fund of India.
- Cited Rule 41 of the Rules of Procedure for support.
- Questions must relate to matters of public importance.
- Speaker has final authority on question admissibility.
- Conditions for admissibility include public importance and no defamation.
- Questions can be rejected for divisive tendencies.
- Critics argue PMO's stance undermines parliamentary oversight.
- PM CARES Fund set up for national emergencies like Covid-19.
- PMNRF assists families affected by natural calamities.
- NDF welfare fund for members of Armed Forces.
- Transparency status of these funds is currently sub judice.
- Concerns raised about government accountability.
- Decisions on admissibility should be based on individual questions.
- Standard procedure suggests specific questions should be disallowed, not entire topics.
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