Pratap Sarnaik Demands Crackdown on Unauthorised Drought Relief Drives in Mira-Bhayandar
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has demanded strict legal action and immediate permit verification against individuals and organisations conducting unauthorised fundraising drives under the guise of drought relief for farmers across Maharashtra. The minister raised the issue in Bhayandar on October 5, 2026, as various fund-collection efforts continue across the Mira-Bhayandar region.
Taking serious cognisance of the situation, Minister Sarnaik issued an official letter to both the District Collector and the Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar Police Commissioner. In the communication, Sarnaik formally urged the administration and police authorities to immediately inspect and verify the official permits of anyone soliciting donations for drought victims throughout the Mira-Bhayandar area.
Sarnaik requested that if any individual, group, or organisation is found collecting funds without valid administrative permission, the activity must be stopped immediately. He further urged the authorities to register police cases against those responsible for defrauding the public and committing financial irregularities, insisting that strict legal action must be initiated against the offenders.
The minister's demand comes at a time when multiple relief drives are actively underway in the locality to assist drought-affected farmers in Maharashtra. Notably, the Mira-Bhayandar BJP unit has undertaken a dedicated "Relief Fund" campaign to support the affected farming community.
Earlier, financial aid amounting to Rs 1 crore was extended to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund through the Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation. In addition, BJP MLA Narendra Mehta had resolved to collect approximately Rs 6 crore from the city for the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, which has spurred an active fund collection drive across the area.
However, Minister Sarnaik highlighted in his official letter that certain individuals and organisations have been observed gathering money without possessing valid permits. Taking note of these unauthorised activities, the minister cautioned local residents and strongly urged the public not to hand over their money to such unauthorised entities.
To ensure that financial assistance reaches drought-hit farmers directly without misappropriation, Sarnaik appealed to citizens to contribute solely through the Maharashtra Government’s Chief Minister Relief Fund or other government-authorised channels. He also advised donors to personally verify whether individuals collecting funds possess official district administration authorisation and receipts before handing over any contributions.
