Archive · 25 Jan 2026
RTI Raises Concerns Over Cash Donations at Zubeen Kshetra
An RTI reply has shown that nearly Rs 16.80 lakh was collected in cash at the Zubeen Garg Samadhi Kshetra without any banking or digital records.
The money was collected over a few months, and there are concerns about how it was managed.
Some people think the records are not clear and want a proper system with bank accounts and regular checks.
They also want the government to be more involved in managing the donations to ensure everything is done correctly.
RTI reply reveals Rs 16.80 lakh collected in cash at Zubeen Garg Samadhi Kshetra without banking or digital trail.
Collections were recorded only in handwritten registers from September 24, 2025, to January 6, 2026.
Discrepancies noted in November 2025, with Rs 4.5 lakh collected in the first 40 days and Rs 4.63 lakh in the next 19 days.
Government personnel were deployed only from October 17, 2025, leaving a gap in accountability during the initial weeks.
Calls for urgent reforms, including opening a dedicated bank account, introducing UPI, and regular public disclosure of accounts with audits.
- Who
- Rakesh Hazarika, executive director of the Centre for Efficient Governance and RTI applicant
- What
- RTI reply revealing Rs 16.80 lakh cash donations without banking or digital trail at Zubeen Garg Samadhi Kshetra
- When
- September 24, 2025 - January 6, 2026
- Where
- Zubeen Garg Samadhi Kshetra, Dimoria, Assam
- Why
- To raise concerns over the handling of public donations and lack of transparency in accounting
- Amount Collected
- Rs 16,79,880.75
- Duration
- September 24, 2025 - January 6, 2026
- RTI Applicant
- Rakesh Hazarika
- Government Personnel Deployment
- October 17, 2025
- Initial Collection Start Date
- September 24, 2025
- Discrepancies Noted
- November 2025
- Amount in First 40 Days
- Rs 4.5 lakh
- Amount in Next 19 Days
- Rs 4.63 lakh