The Chief Minister of Assam  has launched a monthly financial assistance scheme for Udasin Bhakats attached to recognised satras in Assam, aimed at strengthening their welfare and sustaining satra institutions.

About the Scheme

  • Beneficiaries: Udasin Bhakats of recognised Satras in Assam
  • Financial Assistance: ₹1,500 per month
  • Mode of Transfer: Direct Benefit Transfer to bank accounts
  • Disbursement Date: 10th of every month
  • Current Coverage: 620 Udasin Bhakats across multiple districts

Administrative Process

  • Beneficiary lists are:
    • Prepared by District Commissioners
    • Verified by District / Additional District Commissioners
    • Uploaded district-wise on the DIDS portal
  • The scheme allows:
    • Inclusion of newly inducted Udasin Bhakats
    • Addition of eligible beneficiaries left out earlier

District-wise Distribution 

  • The highest number of beneficiaries are from Majuli, reflecting its status as the cultural heartland of Assam’s Vaishnavite satra tradition.
  • Other districts include Barpeta, Jorhat, Kamrup, Lakhimpur, Golaghat, Nagaon, Nalbari, Sivasagar, Sonitpur, Udalguri, Dhubri, and Goalpara.

Linked Institutional Reform

  • The State Government has also:
    • Constituted the Assam Satra Commission with financial powers
    • Empowered it to:
      • Grant financial assistance to satras
      • Permit eviction of encroachments on satra land
  • As per official data, over 15,288 bighas of satra land are under encroachment, with Barpeta district being the most affected.

Types of Sattras 

Sattras in Assam can be classified in two ways—by lifestyle of bhakats and by ideological affiliation (sanghati).

Based on Lifestyle of Bhakats

  • Udasin Sattras:

    • Bhakats and the sattradhikar follow celibacy.
    • Examples: Uttar Kamalabari Sattra, Auniati Sattra, Bhogpur Sattra.
  • Grihasti Sattras:

    • Bhakats lead householder (non-celibate) lives.
    • Example: Garmur Sattra (Majuli).

Based on Ideological Affiliation (Sanghati)

  • Purusha Sanghati:

    • Founded by Purusottama Thakura, grandson of Srimanta Sankardeva.
    • Sattras led by descendants of Sankardeva.
  • Nika Sanghati:

    • Founded by Mathuradas Burha-ata and Badaluwa Padma-ata.
    • Emphasises purity, cleanliness, and strict discipline, following Madhavdeva’s tradition.
  • Kala Sanghati:

    • Established by Gopaldeva and successors.
    • Egalitarian, especially regarding caste; strong outreach to tribal and marginalised communities.
    • Examples: Moamaria Sattra, Dihing Sattra.
  • Brahma Sanghati:

    • Founded by Damodardeva and Harideva, Brahmin disciples of Sankardeva.
    • More orthodox; allows Vedic rites along with nama-kirtana.
    • Prioritises deva over guru, nama, and bhakat.
    • Examples: Auniati Sattra, Dakshinpat Sattra (Majuli).

Exam Hook 

With reference to the financial assistance scheme for Udasin Bhakats in Assam, consider the following statements:

  1. The assistance is transferred through Direct Benefit Transfer.
  2. Only Bhakats from Majuli district are eligible under the scheme.

Correct answer: 1 only

One-line wrap:
By supporting Udasin Bhakats, Assam has linked cultural preservation with social security, reinforcing the living legacy of its satra tradition.

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