Jammu, February 19 – The District Magistrate (DM) in Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir, issued an order on Thursday to regulate, monitor, and maintain vigilance over donations during the holy month of Ramadan.
The order issued by the DM of Kishtwar stated: “Whereas, it has been observed that during the Holy Month of Ramadan, there is a tendency for certain individuals and organizations to collect donations without proper regulation, which necessitates immediate intervention.
“And whereas, while the tradition of Zakat and Sadaqah (charitable giving) is an integral and sacred aspect of the religious and social fabric during Ramadan, any act of deception, misrepresentation, or fraudulent solicitation of funds not only desecrates the sanctity of the Holy Month, but also exploits the generosity of the public.
“And whereas, it is the statutory obligation of the District Administration to ensure that public contributions intended for relief, welfare, or religious purposes are not misappropriated, laundered, or diverted for extraneous or subversive activities; now, therefore, in order to prevent the exploitation of public sentiments, ensure financial integrity, and maintain public order, I, Pankaj Kumar Sharma, (JKAS), District Magistrate, Kishtwar, in exercise of the powers vested in me under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, do hereby issue the following directives for immediate and strict compliance:
“Mandatory Authorization: No individual, NGO, Trust, Society, or Committee shall undertake the collection of donations (in cash, kind, or via digital modes) within the territorial jurisdiction of District Kishtwar without valid registration under the relevant Acts (e.g., J&K Societies Registration Act, Trust Act), and prior written intimation/clearance must be obtained from the Executive Officer, Waqaf Board Unit Kishtwar/Imam Jamia Masjid Kishtwar (President Majlis Shura Committee Kishtwar) or concerned Tehsildars.
“Verification of Credentials: All fundraising entities must maintain a transparent record of collections and expenditures. Any solicitor found without authentic identification, a certified copy of their organization's registration, and a designated receipt book shall be deemed ‘unauthorized’.
“Prohibition of Coercion: No person shall resort to coercive tactics, harassment of commuters, or obstruction of public pathways/traffic for the purpose of seeking donations.
“Public Transparency: All Sub Registrars of District Kishtwar shall, within five days, publish a list of bona fide registered charitable trusts operating in the district to guide the general public.
“Reporting Mechanism: A dedicated District Vigilance Helpline (Nos. 9484217492 / 01995-259555/ 9906154100) is hereby activated. Citizens are encouraged to report any instances of fraudulent solicitation or harassment.
“The Senior Superintendent of Police, Kishtwar, and (All) SDMs/Tehsildars shall ensure strict enforcement of this order in letter and spirit. Since it is not possible to serve the order individually, it shall be circulated in print, electronic, and social media for the information of all concerned and is hereby issued ex-parte.
“Any person or entity found engaging in suspicious or clandestine fundraising shall be dealt with strictly under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and other applicable preventive laws.
“This order shall come into force with immediate effect and shall remain in effect throughout the Holy Month of Ramadan-2026,” the order said.