Stop Public & Overseas Fundraising for Flood Relief, Says Assam Chief Minister
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has called for an immediate end to public street collections and overseas fundraising campaigns for state flood relief, asserting that relief efforts should be managed through official government funds.
Addressing the issue of unauthorized or public collection drives, the Chief Minister urged organizers to halt raising money via donation boxes and digital QR code scanners. He also expressed strong disapproval of sending delegations or organizing campaigns in international locations such as London and the United States to seek financial aid for Assam.
“Provide flood relief using our own resources, but stop the practice of collecting money using donation boxes or QR scanners,” CM Sarma stated. “Stop going to London and America to raise money for Assam. If someone voluntarily contributes, that is a different matter. I myself dislike asking for money in Delhi. This is not a formal decree, but since I am saying it, I believe this practice will come to an end.”
The Chief Minister emphasized self-reliance and official channels, noting that voluntary contributions remain welcome, but active public soliciting—whether locally through collection boxes or globally through foreign trips—damages dignity and is unnecessary when state funds are being allocated directly for relief and rehabilitation.
