Assam's Chief Minister Announces Initiatives for Satra Development
New Initiatives for Satra Development in Assam
Himanta Biswa Sarma at the Batadrava Than on Friday (Photo - @himantabiswa / X)
Guwahati, May 15: On Friday, Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that the newly established Satra Aayog will soon commence its operations, focusing on issues related to land encroachment and the enhancement of Satras throughout the state.
During his visit to Batadrava Thaan, the birthplace of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva, Sarma emphasized the government's dedication to fortifying and preserving Assam's spiritual and cultural heritage through organized institutional efforts.
“The Satra Aayog has been officially constituted and will start its work shortly. This commission will be responsible for addressing encroachment matters and overseeing the comprehensive development of the Satras. I will personally oversee its activities,” stated the Chief Minister.
His comments are particularly relevant given the rising concerns regarding encroachments on lands belonging to various Satras in Assam. The newly proposed commission is anticipated to serve as a specialized entity to tackle these challenges while also devising long-term conservation and development strategies for Vaishnavite institutions.
Additionally, the Chief Minister discussed the government's extensive planning efforts in anticipation of the upcoming Budget Session set for July 5 and 6.
He noted that due to the absence of a Budget Session in February and March, the government plans to engage in thorough consultations with different departments prior to the July session to formulate a detailed five-year development strategy.
“Since there was no Budget Session earlier this year, we will convene meetings with various departments regarding the five-year plan before the July 5-6 Budget Session. We will assess pending projects, revisit plans that were not executed previously, and collect feedback from stakeholders to ensure that the budget reflects the aspirations of the people,” Sarma explained.
While at Batadrava Thaan, the Chief Minister mentioned ongoing efforts to elevate Batadrava Thaan into a globally recognized spiritual and cultural destination, inspired by the teachings of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva.
Sarma also reviewed the status of several developmental projects at the site and engaged with members associated with the institution, reiterating that the preservation of Assam's spiritual heritage will remain a top priority for the government in the years to come.