Assam to verify funds raised by 72 YouTubers for flood relief, says Himanta Sarma
Guwahati, Aug 12
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday said the state government will verify funds raised by 72 YouTubers, both from Assam and outside the state, for flood relief and ascertain whether the money has reached the state and how it has been utilised.
CM Sarma said the government appreciates individuals and content creators who have mobilised resources for people affected by the floods, but stressed that proper accounting of the funds was necessary to ensure transparency and prevent duplication of relief efforts.
"Seventy-two YouTubers have raised funds from outside the state. We are looking into whether the funds have reached the state or not," the Chief Minister said.
He added that the government would seek details from those who collected donations about the manner and locations in which the money was spent.
"Many have started contributing, but we will ask where they have utilised the funds. We will ask where it has been utilised so that there is no repetition," CM Sarma said.
The Chief Minister also praised Assam-based YouTuber and grassroots relief worker Samay Gogoi for his efforts to assist flood-hit communities.
"Samay Gogoi has done a good job," CM Sarma said, while noting that several other individuals had also come forward to support relief operations.
According to the Chief Minister, the government intends to recognise the contributions made by YouTubers and other individuals involved in flood relief and honour them with traditional Assamese gamosas.
However, he said the utilisation of the funds would first be verified.
CM Sarma also said the Assam Police Cyber Cell was monitoring accounts associated with fundraising activities.
Gogoi has emerged as a prominent grassroots relief worker during the floods, using personal savings and mobilising resources to provide food, drinking water and medicines to residents of isolated and affected villages. He has also participated in rescuing stranded animals and rebuilding damaged houses through his initiative, Project Golden Assam.
The state government's move comes amid a surge in private fundraising and volunteer-led relief operations as severe floods continue to affect parts of Assam. The verification process is aimed at improving coordination between government and private relief initiatives and ensuring that donations reach affected people without duplication or gaps.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is a sensible move by the government. While I appreciate the efforts of all YouTubers and influencers, transparency is crucial when it comes to public donations. The floods in Assam are devastating and every rupee needs to reach the right hands. Happy to see Samay Gogoi getting recognition - he's been doing stellar work on the ground.
As someone who donated to a couple of these fundraisers, I welcome this verification. It's reassuring to know the government is monitoring these efforts. However, I hope this doesn't discourage genuine grassroots workers like Samay Gogoi who are making a real difference. Transparency shouldn't hinder humanitarian work.
Agree with the CM's approach but also hope the government is equally transparent with its own relief funds! We've seen enough corruption in the system. Samay Gogoi is doing what our officials should be doing. The man is using his own savings to help people - that says a lot about our governance. 🤷♂️
It's about time! In an era of misinformation and fake news, verifying how much of the donated money actually reaches the flood victims is essential. I've seen so many influencers collecting funds but no one knows where it goes. Samay Gogoi deserves all the praise - his work in Project Golden Assam is inspiring! 🎉
Good initiative but hope it doesn't discourage genuine volunteers. Sometimes these verifications scare away honest efforts. But I trust Samay Gogoi - his work has been nothing short of extraordinary. The government should perhaps consider supporting such individuals rather than just monitoring them. Also, these traditional gamosas as honorarium is a sweet gesture.
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