Assam Chief Minister Launches Financial Aid for Devotees
Assam's Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, has launched a financial assistance program for Vaishnav monks, offering ₹1,500 monthly to support their spiritual endeavors. This initiative, announced in the previous year's budget, aims to benefit 620 devotees across various districts. The CM emphasized the cultural significance of the satras and the importance of caring for those who dedicate their lives to these religious centers. This program marks a significant step in recognizing and supporting the contributions of udasin devotees in Assam's rich cultural landscape.
| Jan 2, 2026, 12:29 IST
Financial Support Initiative for Vaishnav Monks
On Friday, Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Chief Minister of Assam, inaugurated a financial assistance program aimed at supporting Vaishnav monks associated with the state's satras. Under this initiative, these monks will receive a monthly aid of ₹1,500. In the Assamese Vaishnav tradition, satras serve as religious and cultural hubs where devotees gather for prayer. The satras where devotees lead a life of celibacy are referred to as 'udasin satras.'
During the launch event in Guwahati, the Chief Minister highlighted that this program was announced in last year's state budget and is now being implemented. Sarma stated, 'We mentioned the financial assistance scheme for udasin devotees in last year's budget, and today we have officially launched it.' Each month, ₹1,500 will be deposited into the bank accounts of these devotees. If any udasin devotee is overlooked, efforts will be made to include them in the program.
The Chief Minister provided district-wise details, indicating that a total of 620 udasin devotees will benefit from this initiative. This includes 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. He also emphasized the cultural and spiritual significance of the satras in Assam's heritage in a post on X.
He remarked that the satras of Assam invigorate our culture and have preserved our values and principles over the years. It is essential to protect and promote these satras and care for the udasin devotees who dedicate their lives to them. The Chief Minister further expressed, 'With the blessings of Gurujo, it is a lifelong honor for me to provide ₹1,500 monthly assistance to support udasin devotees on their path of devotion.'