Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday announced that the state government will verify funds raised by 72 YouTubers — from both within and outside Assam — for flood relief, and ascertain whether the money has reached the state and how it has been utilised. The announcement was made in Guwahati amid ongoing severe flooding across parts of the state.

Why the Government Is Stepping In

Sarma said the government appreciates the efforts of individuals and content creators who have mobilised resources for flood-affected communities, but stressed that proper accounting is essential. The aim, he said, is to ensure transparency and prevent duplication of relief efforts.

'Seventy-two YouTubers have raised funds from outside the state. We are looking into whether the funds have reached the state or not,' the Chief Minister said. He added that the government would seek detailed information on the manner and locations in which the collected donations were spent.

'Many have started contributing, but we will ask where they have utilised the funds. We will ask where it has been utilised so that there is no repetition,' Sarma said.

Cyber Cell Monitoring Fundraising Accounts

The Assam Police Cyber Cell has been tasked with monitoring accounts associated with fundraising activities linked to the floods. This signals a structured oversight mechanism beyond routine government coordination, reflecting concerns about accountability in the fast-growing space of social media-driven disaster relief.

Samay Gogoi and Project Golden Assam

Sarma specifically praised Samay Gogoi, an Assam-based YouTuber and grassroots relief worker, for his contributions to flood-hit communities. 'Samay Gogoi has done a good job,' the Chief Minister said, while acknowledging that several other individuals had also stepped forward to support relief operations.

Gogoi has emerged as a prominent volunteer figure during the floods, reportedly using personal savings and mobilising community resources to provide food, drinking water, and medicines to residents of isolated and affected villages. He has also participated in rescuing stranded animals and rebuilding damaged houses through his initiative, Project Golden Assam.

Recognition and Verification to Go Hand in Hand

The Chief Minister indicated that the government intends to honour contributing YouTubers and volunteers with traditional Assamese gamosas — a gesture of cultural recognition — but only after the utilisation of funds has been independently verified. This dual approach of recognition paired with accountability is notable, as it seeks to encourage private relief efforts without allowing them to operate in an oversight vacuum.

Broader Context: Private Relief Amid a Flood Crisis

The state government's move comes amid a surge in private fundraising and volunteer-led relief operations as severe floods continue to batter parts of Assam. The verification process is intended to improve coordination between government and private relief initiatives, ensuring that donations reach affected communities without duplication or gaps. Notably, Assam faces recurring annual flooding, and the scale of social media-driven fundraising during this cycle appears to have reached a level that warrants formal oversight for the first time.