The Kishtwar District Magistrate's office has issued a strict order to regulate the collection of donations during the Holy Month of Ramadan-2026 to prevent unauthorized and fraudulent fundraising.
District Magistrate Pankaj Kumar Sharma, invoking powers under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, directed that no individual, NGO, Trust, or Committee shall collect donations in cash, kind, or digital mode within the Kishtwar district without valid registration and prior written clearance from the Executive Officer of the Waqaf Board Unit, Kishtwar, Imam of Jamia Masjid, Kishtwar (President of the Majlis Shura Committee), or the relevant Tehsildar.
The order emphasizes that while Zakat and Sadaqah are sacred traditions of Ramadan, fraudulent solicitation undermines public trust and exploits religious sentiments. All fundraising entities must maintain proper records of collections and expenditures and carry authorized identification and receipt books.
Coercion, harassment, or obstruction of public pathways for donation collection has been strictly prohibited. Sub-Registrars have been directed to publish a list of bona fide registered charitable trusts within five days for public guidance.
A District Vigilance Helpline (9484217492 / 01995-259555 / 9906154100) has been activated to report violations. The SSP, SDMs, and Tehsildars have been tasked with strict enforcement. The order is effective immediately and will remain in force throughout Ramadan-2026.