To ensure full accounting and prevent duplication of humanitarian assistance, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Wednesday that the state administration will verify all funds collected by 72 YouTubers for flood relief operations. The financial tracking effort applies to content creators operating both within Assam and across other parts of the country who mobilised public donations during the recent natural calamity.
Government Focuses on Financial Transparency and Coordination
Addressing the initiative, Chief Minister Sarma clarified that while the government warmly appreciates individual efforts and digital creators who stepped forward to support flood-affected communities, proper accounting remains essential. The state aims to track how much money was received and where it was spent so that official and unofficial aid operations do not overlap inefficiently in affected districts.
The Chief Minister specifically highlighted that 72 YouTubers succeeded in collecting financial assistance from outside Assam. Official scrutiny will focus on verifying whether these collected funds were transferred to the state and distributed directly to people in need. Fundraisers will be requested to submit comprehensive records detailing donation intake and expenditure breakdowns to help authorities coordinate relief work across impacted regions.
Cyber Cell Oversight and Recognition for Relief Workers
To maintain strict vigilance over digital donation drives, the Assam Police Cyber Cell has been tasked with actively monitoring financial accounts and digital handles associated with flood relief fundraising. This measure aims to uphold public trust and ensure that every contribution reaches genuine victims.
Amidst the audit announcement, Chief Minister Sarma commended local content creator and grassroots worker Samay Gogoi for his dedicated field efforts. Through his initiative, Project Golden Assam, Gogoi utilised personal resources alongside public donations to deliver critical supplies, including fresh drinking water, food packages, and emergency medicines, to stranded families in inundated villages. His initiative also actively participated in saving stranded domestic animals and assisting local residents in rebuilding damaged residential structures.
Acknowledging the positive contribution of community workers, the state government revealed plans to formally honor Samay Gogoi and other dedicated individuals who contributed to relief operations by presenting them with traditional Assamese gamosas.
