Assam to verify flood relief funds raised by 72 YouTubers

GUWAHATI: The Assam government on Wednesday said it will verify the flood relief funds raised by 72 YouTubers from Assam and other parts of the country, as part of a broader effort to ensure transparency and accountability in relief collection.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that while the administration appreciates the contributions of content creators and individuals who have stepped forward to help flood-affected people, it is necessary to check whether the money has reached the state machinery and how it has been utilised.

"The funds raised by 72 YouTubers must be properly accounted for to avoid duplication of relief efforts. We want to ensure that the funds reach the people for whom they are intended," Sarma said.

He also lauded a few Assam-based YouTubers for their "good job", but added that their accounts have to be verified before they can be honoured with traditional gamosas (a decorative scarf-towel) as a mark of appreciation.

The Chief Minister informed that the Assam Police's cyber cell is monitoring the accounts linked to the fundraising activities. "We want to acknowledge the contribution of YouTubers and others involved in the relief efforts and honour them with traditional gamosas, but their accounts have to be verified first," he said.

The announcement comes amid one of the most severe flood seasons in the state in recent years. According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority, 102 people have lost their lives in flood-related incidents from April to August 11. At least 7.21 lakh people have been affected across the state. Most of the fatalities were reported from Sivasagar, Charaideo, and Jorhat districts.

A few days prior to this announcement, Sarma had directed police and district authorities to stop individuals from soliciting donations door-to-door or on highways in the name of flood relief. There were allegations of people using donation boxes and QR codes to collect money from the public without any authorisation.

The verification of YouTuber-raised funds is seen as an extension of this regulatory approach. Officials said the process will involve cross-checking the amounts raised, the platforms used, and the manner in which the funds were disbursed. The involvement of the cyber cell indicates that digital payment records and bank transactions will be scrutinised to trace the flow of money.

The government's move underscores the need for structured and transparent relief collection, especially when large sums are raised through social media campaigns. While the authorities have not disclosed the total amount raised by these 72 content creators, the verification exercise is expected to provide clarity on the quantum of funds and their utilisation.

Assam has been grappling with recurring floods since April, with multiple waves of inundation damaging crops, infrastructure, and homes. Thousands of people are still living in relief camps, and the demand for essential supplies and medical aid remains high. The state government, along with humanitarian agencies, has been working to mitigate the crisis.