Assam to verify funds raised by 72 YouTubers for flood relief, says Himanta Sarma

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the government will verify funds raised by 72 YouTubers for flood relief, checking whether donations reached the state and how they were used. Authorities aim to ensure transparency, prevent duplication and coordinate private relief efforts

Guwahati: 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.

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“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.