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Assam CM Launches Rs 1,500 Monthly Aid for Celibate Vaishnavite Monks

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has launched the Financial Assistance Scheme for Udasin Bhakats, fulfilling a promise from last year's state budget. The scheme provides a monthly stipend of Rs 1,500 directly into the bank accounts of celibate Vaishnavite monks associated with Satras, which are vital monastic and cultural institutions. A total of 620 monks across 13 districts, with Majuli island being a major beneficiary, will receive this support. The initiative aims to honor and sustain the spiritual devotees who dedicate their lives to preserving Assam's rich Neo-Vaishnavite heritage.

Key Points: Assam's Financial Aid Scheme for Udasin Bhakats Launched

  • Rs 1,500 monthly assistance
  • Supports 620 Udasin Bhakats
  • Aids celibate Vaishnavite monks
  • Strengthens Assam's cultural Satras
2 min read

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma launches financial assistance scheme for Udasin Bhakats

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma launches a Rs 1,500 monthly financial assistance scheme for celibate Udasin Bhakats, supporting 620 monks across Satras.

"It was only befitting that we protected the Satras, upgraded them and looked after the Udasin Bhakats who dedicate their lives to the Satras. - Himanta Biswa Sarma"

Guwahati, January 2

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday launched the Financial Assistance Scheme for Udasin Bhakats, providing monthly support of Rs 1,500 to celibate Vaishnavite monks associated with Satras across the state.

In the Assamese Vaishnavite tradition, Sattras are monastic institutions that serves as religious and cultural centres. Devotees called bhakats gather the sattras to offer prayers. Sattras where bhakats lead celibate lives are known as Udasin Sattras.

Addressing the launch event in Guwahati, the Assam Chief Minister said the scheme was announced in last year's state budget and has now been implemented.

"We had mentioned the scheme of financial assistance to Udasin Bhakat in our last year's budget, and today we have launched the scheme. Under this scheme, Rs 1,500 will be given to the bank accounts of Udasin Bhakats every month. If any Udasin Bhakats are left, then we will try to include them in this scheme," Sarma said.

Providing district-wise details, the Chief Minister said that a total of 620 Udasin Bhakats will benefit from the initiative. These include 10 from Barpeta, 8 from Dhubri, 8 from Goalpara, 6 from Golaghat, 54 from Jorhat, 14 from Kamrup, 22 from Lakhimpur, 474 from Majuli, 7 from Nagaon, 6 from Nalbari, 5 from Sivasagar, 3 from Sonitpur and 3 from Udalguri.

In a post on X, the Chief Minister highlighted the cultural and spiritual importance of Satras in Assam's heritage.

"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," he wrote.

"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 added.

In Assam, Majuli, the world's largest river island, which is the core and main place of Assamese Neo-Vaishnavism and the land of Satras (Vaishnavite monasteries).

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
While supporting religious figures is good, I hope the government is equally focused on financial schemes for farmers, students, and daily wage workers who are struggling with inflation. The budget must be balanced.
A
Arun Y
As someone from Majuli, this is welcome news. The Satras here are not just religious centers but also preserve our traditional arts, music, and manuscripts. The Bhakats play a crucial role. ₹1500 may seem small, but it's a gesture of respect.
S
Sarah B
Interesting read. It's good to see the government taking steps to preserve intangible cultural heritage. The direct benefit transfer to bank accounts also ensures transparency. Hope the scheme is implemented smoothly.
V
Vikram M
This is a positive step. However, I have a respectful criticism. The article mentions 474 beneficiaries from Majuli alone. The government should also ensure basic infrastructure like roads, healthcare, and erosion control in Majuli, which faces existential threats.
K
Kiran H
Good move. The Sattras have kept the flame of Sankardeva's Ekasarana Dharma alive for centuries. Supporting the monks who maintain this tradition is important for our state's identity. Hope other states also learn to support their cultural custodians.

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