Assam bans unauthorised flood relief collections on roads; CM warns of police action

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on August 6 announced a crackdown on unauthorised flood relief collection drives on public roads, warning that strict police action will be taken against those forcibly collecting money in the name of flood victims.

 

The chief minister said no individual or organisation will be allowed to solicit donations by standing on roads with collection boxes or using QR codes to seek contributions from motorists and pedestrians.

 

"Nobody will be allowed to collect money on public roads in the name of flood relief," Sarma said, adding that those found engaging in such activities would face legal action.

 

He said people carrying donation boxes or displaying QR codes on roadsides to collect funds would be dealt with strictly by the police.

 

Sarma also said he has issued firm instructions to the Assam Police to immediately stop such unauthorised fundraising activities across the state.

 

The directive comes amid reports of individuals and groups collecting donations at traffic intersections and public places in the name of assisting flood-affected people. The government has advised citizens to contribute only through authorised channels to ensure that relief reaches genuine beneficiaries.