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Kishtwar DM Issues Strict Order to Regulate Ramadan Donations, Prevent Fraud

The District Magistrate of Kishtwar in Jammu and Kashmir has issued a detailed order to regulate donations during Ramadan to prevent fraud and exploitation. The order mandates that any individual or organization collecting donations must have proper registration and prior clearance from designated authorities. It establishes a public vigilance helpline and requires full transparency in the collection and use of funds. The administration aims to protect the sanctity of charitable giving during the holy month while preventing the misuse of public sentiment.

Key Points: Kishtwar Regulates Ramadan Donations to Prevent Fraud

  • Mandatory authorization for donation collectors
  • Transparent records of funds required
  • Coercive tactics for donations prohibited
  • Public vigilance helpline activated
3 min read

District Magistrate in J&K's Kishtwar issues order to regulate, monitor donations during Ramadan

J&K's Kishtwar district mandates authorization for Ramadan donations to prevent fraud and ensure transparency. New rules require registration and public vigilance.

"any act of artifice, misrepresentation, or fraudulent solicitation of funds... exploits the altruism of the general public. - District Magistrate Order"

Jammu, Feb 19

District Magistrate in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district on Thursday issued an order to regulate, monitor and maintain vigil on donations during the holy month of Ramadan.

An order issued by DM Kishtwar said today: "Whereas, it has been observed that during the Holy Month of Ramadan, there is a tendency for unregulated and unauthorised collection of donations by certain individuals and organisations, which necessitates immediate regulatory intervention.

"And whereas, while the tradition of Zakat and Sadaqah (charitable giving) is an integral and sacred facet of the religious and social fabric during Ramadan, any act of artifice, misrepresentation, or fraudulent solicitation of funds not only desecrates the sanctity of the Holy Month, but also exploits the altruism of the general public.

"And whereas, it is the statutory obligation of the District Administration to ensure that public contributions intended for relief, welfare or religious purposes are not misappropriated, laundered or diverted for extraneous or subversive activities; now, therefore, in order to prevent the exploitation of public sentiments, ensure financial probity and maintain public order, I, Pankaj Kumar Sharma, (JKAS), District Magistrate, Kishtwar, in exercise of the powers vested in me under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, do hereby issue the following directives for immediate and strict compliance:

"Mandatory Authorisation: No individual, NGO, Trust, Society or Committee shall undertake the collection of donations (in cash, kind, or via digital modes) within the territorial jurisdiction of District Kishtwar without a valid registration under the relevant Acts (e.g., J&K Societies Registration Act, Trust Act) and prior written intimation/clearance must be obtained from the Executive Officer, Waqaf Board Unit Kishtwar/Imam Jamia Masjid Kishtwar (President Majlis Shura Committee Kishtwar) or concerned Tehsildars.

"Verification of Credentials: All fundraising entities must maintain a transparent record of collections and expenditures. Any solicitor found without authentic identification, a certified copy of their organisation's registration and a designated receipt book shall be deemed 'unauthorised'.

"Prohibition of Coercion: No person shall resort to coercive tactics, harassment of commuters or obstruction of public pathways/traffic for the purpose of seeking donations.

"Public Transparency: All Sub Registrars, of District Kishtwar, shall within five days, publish a list of bonafide registered charitable trusts operating in the district to guide the general public.

"Reporting Mechanism: A dedicated District Vigilance Helpline (Nos. 9484217492 / 01995-259555/ 9906154100, is hereby activated. Citizens are encouraged to report any instances of fraudulent solicitation or harassment.

"The Senior Superintendent of Police, Kishtwar, and (All) SDMS/Tehsildars, shall ensure strict enforcement of this order in letter and spirit. Since, it is not possible to serve the order individually, it shall be circulated in print electronic and social media for information of all concerned and is hereby issued ex-parte.

"Any person or entity found engaging in suspicious or clandestine fundraising shall be dealt with strictly under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanita (BNS), 2023, and other applicable preventive laws.

"This order shall come into force with immediate effect and shall remain operative throughout the Holy Month of Ramadan-2026", the order said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While the intent to prevent fraud is good, I hope the process for getting clearance is simple and quick. The holy month is about ease and spirituality, not bureaucratic hurdles for genuine volunteers.
R
Rajesh Q
Good move! Zakat is one of the pillars of Islam and should not be misused. The transparency directive is crucial. Hope other districts in J&K and across India follow suit.
P
Priyanka N
The order mentions preventing funds for "subversive activities." Given the region's history, this vigilance is understandable for national security. But the administration must ensure it doesn't create an atmosphere of suspicion around all charitable acts.
M
Michael C
Interesting to see the specific legal codes like BNSS being applied. Seems like a comprehensive framework. The dedicated helpline is a good public interface.
I
Ishita S
As a citizen, I appreciate this. It's not just about religion. Unregulated collection on streets causes traffic jams and sometimes harassment. The order addresses public order too. Hope it's implemented well.

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