Chandigarh, March 23- Haryana Chief Minister, Mr Manohar Lal today announced setting up “Haryana COVID Relief Fund” for providing assistance to all those who are economically affected by the present situation. The Chief Minister announced the initial contribution of Rs 5 lakh from his personal savings towards the Fund. The Funds will be invited from contributions from all those who are capable of supporting those economically affected.

This was announced by the Chief Minister while addressing the first Digital Press Conference at Chandigarh today.

He said that all MLAs will contribute one month’s salary to the Fund. All India Services Officers will be contributing 20 per cent of their salary to the Fund as an initial contribution. Contributions are being made by all Government employees other than Group D employees who shall contribute 10 per cent of their salary to the Fund. He also urged the people of the State to voluntarily contribute in this Fund. The contribution could be made in the State Bank of India (SBI) Account No 39234755902 with IFSC Code SBIN 0013180. The SBI branch is located at SCO-14, Sector-10, Panchkula. He said that the contribution made to this Fund would be exempted from income tax.

He said that Voluntary contribution from any organisation or person from Haryana, India or abroad and CSR contribution from any industry or business is also invited. He assured that that the Fund will be utilised only for supporting those who have been badly affected by this pandemic situation.

Among those present on this occasion included Chief Secretary Mrs Keshni Anand Arora, Additional Chief Secretary Health and Family Welfare Mr Rajeev Arora, Additional Chief Secretary Finance Mr T.V.S.N Prasad, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Mr V.Umashankar and Principal OSD to Chief Minister Mr Neeraj Daftuar.