PM Modi thanks ONGC for chipping in Rs 300 Cr to PM CARES fund as India battles COVID-19

Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked petroleum major Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) for contributing their employees' two-day salary to his coronavirus relief fund. The PSU on Monday said it was contributing an amount of Rs 300 crore to PM CARES Fund, which includes part of its CSR fund and employee contribution.

PM Modi on Twitter said that oil and gas PSUs are not only energising India's growth trajectory but also contributing to ensure the country's good health amid the Coronavirus pandemic.

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ONGC's resolve

In a video statement on Twitter, ONGC Chairman and Managing Director Shashi Shanker said the company gave Rs 300 crore from its corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds while the company employees contributed two days’ salary, totalling Rs 16 crore, to the fund. He also said that ONGC is maintaining oil and gas production while practising social distancing, something advocated by the government to curb COVID-19 transmission.

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Other firms chip in

Many state-run petroleum companies have come forward to contribute to PM CARES. Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has chipped in Rs 255 crore while privatisation-bound Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) has pledged Rs 175 crore. Several private sector firms have also been joining the growing number of list of companies donating to PM CARES.

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PM CARES Fund

Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM CARES Fund), where citizens can contribute to aide the government's efforts in supporting those affected by disasters. This fund will provide relief to the affected from any walk of life dealing with any kind of emergency or distress situation. PM Modi also urged Indians to donate generously.

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