In view of the appeal by the prime minister to all citizens to donate generously to the PMNRF to help relief and rehabilitation operations, 12 banks have been authorised to receive such donations.

They are State Bank of India, Central Bank of India, Union Bank of India, Dena Bank, Syndicate Bank, Corporation Bank, Bank of India, Indian Overseas Bank, Punjab National Bank, Indian Bank, Allahabad Bank and Citibank.

The spokesman said the donations could be made by cheque or draft in the name of the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund and sent to the Prime Minister's Office, South Block, New Delhi-110001.

Cheque/DD to: Prime Minister's National Relief Fund
Address: Prime Minister's Office, South Block, New Delhi-110001.

The nationalised banks will not charge any commission on preparation of draft in favour of PMNRF.

Contributions could also be sent through money orders with no commission chargeable, the spokesman said adding that the contributions to PMNRF have been notified for 100% deduction from taxable income under section 80 (G) of the Income Tax Act.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs 100,000 to the next of the kin of each of those killed when tsunamis struck the Indian coast at Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Kerala on Sunday.

The ex-gratia payment will be made from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF), a PMO spokesman said.