In a major step towards preserving religious heritage and promoting spiritual tourism, the state budget for 2024-25 in Assam, presented on Monday, takes center stage with a major emphasis on the development of sattras ( monastic institutions created as part of the 16th-century Neo-Vaishnavite reformist movement) and pilgrimage facilitation.
Earmarking substantial funds, the revered Batadrava Than received an allocation of Rs 240 crore for the preservation of both its internal and external structures.
Additionally, Patbaushi of Barpeta District emerges as a beacon of the Vaishnavite tradition, serving as the sacred meeting ground for eminent saints like Srimanta Sankardev, Sri Sri Madhabdev, Sri Sri Damodardev, and Sri Sri Haridev. Recognising its significance, the government allocated Rs 15 crore for the initial phase of development and expansion of Sri Sri Patbaushi Satra. Further, Rs 5 crore is dedicated to the preservation of Sri Sri Kamalabari Satra in Titabor, with an additional Rs 2 crore for Srimanta Sankardeva Satra in Barangajuli, Udalguri district, according to the Budget statement.
Under the ongoing Punya Dham scheme, pilgrims are provided with unparalleled opportunities to embark on spiritual journeys to revered destinations such as Puri, Vrindavan, and Varanasi. This year marks the continuation of this sacred initiative, reaffirming the government’s commitment to spiritual enrichment, the statement added.
Furthermore, unveiling a new initiative titled “Punya Tirtha Yojana,” the government pledged to facilitate the pilgrimage of 25,000 devotees to the Ram Mandir at Ayodhya. With a generous budgetary provision of Rs 25 crore, this endeavor sought to deepen spiritual connections and foster cultural unity.
The Assam government tabled a Rs 2.9 lakh crore Budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, featuring a deficit of ₹774.47 crore and no proposed new taxes.
The Budget Estimates for 2024-25 project receipts of Rs 2,90,155.65 crore, with Rs 1,43,605.56 crore from the Consolidated Fund of the State. Expenditure is estimated at Rs 2,88,560.71 crore, with the GSDP expected to reach Rs 6.43 lakh crore, up from Rs 5.7 lakh crore in 2023-24.