SRINAGAR: The District Magistrate of Baramulla on Thursday prohibited the collection of donations and funds by individuals, organisations, NGOs and trusts without prior permission from the competent authority, citing concerns over transparency and the potential misuse of public goodwill.
The order, No. 8/DMB/2026, was issued following a report from the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Baramulla, stating that certain non-local individuals and women were found collecting money from the public in Baramulla town on the pretext of providing relief to victims of natural calamities.
According to the order, verification revealed that the individuals concerned failed to produce any valid authorisation, supporting documents or permission from any government authority, non-governmental organisation or charitable institution to undertake the fundraising activity.
The District Magistrate observed that such unauthorised collections raise serious concerns about transparency and accountability and could lead to the exploitation of citizens through fraudulent fundraising campaigns.
Under the order, no individual, organisation, NGO or trust shall collect donations or raise funds anywhere in the district without obtaining prior permission from the competent authority.
The SSP Baramulla, SSP Sopore and all Executive Magistrates have been directed to enforce the order strictly and initiate legal action against anyone found violating the directive.
The district administration said the measure had been introduced to regulate, verify and monitor fundraising activities and safeguard the public from unauthorised and potentially fraudulent donation campaigns.
