JAMMU: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday informed the Legislative Assembly that the recent directive issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Kishtwar to regulate charity collections during Ramadan was taken after consultations with local religious leaders and community representatives.
Clarifying the matter in the House, the Chief Minister said certain members had alleged that the administration was interfering in religious affairs. However, he stated that the decision was neither unilateral nor arbitrary.
Abdullah explained that ahead of Ramadan, Deputy Commissioners across the Union Territory were instructed to coordinate with local stakeholders to make necessary arrangements for the holy month. During a meeting in Kishtwar, religious leaders reportedly expressed concern over the emergence of NGOs that collect donations during Ramadan without adequate transparency or accountability.
He noted that funds are sometimes raised in the name of patients or charitable causes without clarity on how the money is utilised, which not only risks misuse but also undermines the credibility of genuine organisations working for social welfare.
According to the Chief Minister, it was on the request of local religious bodies and committees that the Deputy Commissioner issued the order to streamline and regulate the process. He added that the move has been welcomed by several local groups.
Emphasising the need for responsible discourse, Abdullah urged legislators not to politicise sensitive matters and said the objective of the directive was to ensure transparency and safeguard the sanctity of charitable contributions during Ramadan.
