Why in News? 

The Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia payment from the PMNRF for the victims of a Fire Factory explosion in Gujarat. 

About PMNRF 

• The PMNRF was established in 1948 by former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. 
• It was initially created to provide assistance to displaced persons from Pakistan during the Partition. 
• The fund is primarily used to provide immediate relief to families affected by natural disasters such as: Floods, Cyclones and Earthquakes. 
• It also partially supports medical expenses for underprivileged individuals. 
•  The fund relies entirely on public donations. 
• No budgetary support is provided by the government. 
• Donations made to the PMNRF are exempted from Income Tax under Section 80(G).