Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday launched a welfare scheme to provide monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,500 to celibate monks residing in the state’s Vaishnavite monasteries, known as satras.
The initiative will benefit at least 620 Udasin Bhakats (celibate monks), the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said in a statement. The scheme is aimed at supporting monks who dedicate their lives to the preservation of Assam’s spiritual and cultural traditions.
In a post on X, the CMO said, “Today, HCM Dr. @himantabiswa launched a new welfare initiative for ‘Udasin Bhakats’ of recognised ‘satras’, honouring their enduring contribution to preserving Assam’s spiritual and cultural legacy.”
Announcing the launch, the chief minister said the programme seeks to honour the enduring contribution of Udasin Bhakats of recognised satras to the state’s civilisational heritage.
“With 620 Bhakats set to receive the monthly assistance, the initiative reaffirms the Assam government’s commitment to dignity, care and respect for those who uphold Assam’s spiritual and cultural legacy,” the statement said.
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“Assam’s ‘satras’ breathe life into our culture and have held our ethos and values for years. It was only befitting that we protected the ‘satras’, upgraded them and looked after the ‘Udasin Bhakats’ who dedicate their lives to the satras,” Sarma said.
“With Gurujona’s blessings it is the honour of a lifetime to be able to support the Udasin Bhakats with a monthly assistance of ₹1,500 to help them in their path of Bhakti,” the chief minister stated.
