Now, you can contribute to Chief Minister's relief fund online

To ensure transparency and ease in contributing to the Chief Minister's relief fund and seeking aid from it, the Maharashtra government has enabled online donations and applications. The relief fund grants aid for medical treatment and to victims of natural calamities, disasters, communal riots, terror attacks, accidents, educational or cultural gatherings in Maharashtra and India and also to the handicapped, sportsmen, artistes and writers.

"Earlier, the process was complicated and there was too much of human intervention. So, we introduced some business procedure re-engineering," said a senior official, adding they may gradually shift to online donations only.

Under the improved system, applications seeking medical aid will be tied to hospitals. Based on their report, the government's medical panel will evaluate the cases. Money will now be given directly the hospital, cutting out all intermediaries.