Assam Govt to Verify Funds Raised by 72 YouTubers for Flood Relief

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on August 12 said the state government will verify funds raised by 72 YouTubers, both from Assam and outside the state, for flood relief and examine whether the money has reached the state and how it has been utilised.

Sarma acknowledged the efforts of content creators and individuals who have stepped forward to help flood-affected communities but said proper accounting of the funds was necessary to ensure transparency and prevent duplication of relief activities.

“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.

Sarma specifically appreciated Assam-based YouTuber and grassroots relief worker Samay Gogoi for his contribution to the flood relief efforts.

“Samay Gogoi has done a good job,” he said, adding that several other individuals had also come forward to support relief operations.

The Chief Minister said those who collected funds would be asked to provide details of where and how the money was spent. He said the exercise was necessary to ensure that different relief initiatives did not overlap.

Sarma said the government would recognise the contributions of YouTubers and other individuals involved in relief work and honour them with traditional Assamese gamosas after verifying their accounts.

He also said the Assam Police Cyber Cell was monitoring accounts linked to the fundraising activities.

Gogoi has gained recognition for his grassroots relief work during the floods, using his personal savings and mobilising resources to deliver food, drinking water and medicines to people in isolated villages.

He has also been involved in rescuing stranded animals and rebuilding flood-damaged homes through his initiative, Project Golden Assam.

The Chief Minister’s remarks came as individuals, social media creators and voluntary organisations from Assam and other parts of the country stepped up fundraising and relief operations following the devastating floods.

The government’s move is aimed at ensuring greater transparency in privately raised relief funds while coordinating different relief efforts so that assistance reaches affected communities effectively and without duplication.