DM Kishtwar Bars Unauthorized Charity Drives During Ramadan Without Prior Approval
Administration invokes BNSS to curb unauthorised fundraising during holy month
Kishtwar, Feb 19: The District Magistrate of Kishtwar, Pankaj Kumar Sharma (JKAS), has issued an order to strictly regulate charity collection during Ramadan 2026, making prior approval mandatory for any individual or organisation seeking donations in the district.
The directive, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, states that no person, NGO, trust, society, or committee may collect funds whether in cash, kind, or digital form without valid registration and written permission from designated authorities. Clearance must be obtained from the Executive Officer of the Waqaf Board Unit Kishtwar, the Imam of Jamia Masjid Kishtwar (President Majlis Shura Committee), or the concerned Tehsildars.
While acknowledging that Zakat and Sadaqah are integral religious practices during Ramadan, the administration emphasised that any fraudulent solicitation or misrepresentation would attract strict action to prevent misuse of public contributions intended for welfare and religious purposes.
Fundraising entities have been directed to maintain transparent records of collections and expenditures. Individuals found collecting donations without proper identification, registration documents, or authorised receipt books will be treated as unauthorised.
The order also prohibits coercive fundraising methods, harassment of commuters, or obstruction of public movement in the name of charity. Sub-Registrars have been instructed to publish, within five days, a list of registered charitable trusts operating in the district to help residents identify legitimate organisations.
To strengthen oversight, a District Vigilance Helpline (9484217492 / 01995-259555 / 9906154100) has been activated for reporting suspicious or fraudulent activities.
The Senior Superintendent of Police Kishtwar and all SDMs and Tehsildars have been directed to ensure strict enforcement. The administration warned that violations would invite action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and other applicable laws.
The order has come into immediate effect and will remain in force throughout Ramadan 2026.
