Kishtwar, Feb 19: District Magistrate Kishtwar, Pankaj Kumar Sharma (JKAS), has issued a detailed order regulating and monitoring the collection of donations during the holy month of Ramadan–2026, mandating that no individual or organization shall collect charity without prior authorization from the competent authorities.
As per the order, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, no individual, NGO, trust, society or committee shall collect donations whether in cash, kind or digital mode without valid registration under the relevant laws and prior written clearance from the Executive Officer, Waqaf Board Unit Kishtwar, Imam Jamia Masjid Kishtwar (President Majlis Shura Committee), or the concerned Tehsildars.
The order states that while Zakat and Sadaqah are sacred religious practices during Ramadan, any fraudulent solicitation or misrepresentation would be treated seriously to prevent misuse of public contributions meant for welfare and religious purposes.
All fundraising entities have been directed to maintain transparent records of collections and expenditures. Any person found collecting donations without proper identification, registration documents and authorized receipt books shall be treated as unauthorized.
The District Magistrate has also prohibited coercive methods, harassment of commuters or obstruction of public movement for the purpose of seeking donations. Sub-Registrars have been directed to publish within five days a list of bona fide registered charitable trusts operating in the district to guide the public.
A dedicated District Vigilance Helpline (9484217492 / 01995-259555 / 9906154100) has been activated for reporting fraudulent or suspicious fundraising activities.
The Senior Superintendent of Police Kishtwar and all SDMs/Tehsildars have been directed to ensure strict enforcement of the order. The administration warned that any violation would invite action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and other applicable laws.
The order has come into immediate effect and will remain operative throughout the holy month of Ramadan–2026. (KNC)
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