Assam Chief Minister Bans Unauthorized Flood Relief Fundraising

Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Chief Minister of Assam, ordered a statewide crackdown on Thursday against unauthorized flood relief collection drives conducted on public roads. The directive instructs the Assam Police to stop individuals and organizations from soliciting donations by stopping vehicles, using donation boxes, or displaying QR codes at traffic intersections and other public spaces.

Sarma stated that these activities cause public inconvenience and raise transparency concerns regarding the use of funds. He warned that "strict action will be taken against anyone found engaging in such unauthorised fundraising activities" and asserted that "nobody will be allowed to collect money on public roads in the name of flood relief."

The order follows reports of various groups collecting money for rehabilitation amid widespread flooding caused by heavy rainfall across the state. The Government of Assam urged citizens to donate only through recognized organizations or authorized government channels to ensure aid reaches genuine victims.