Sonowal launches second phase of Assam Darshan Scheme Disburses financial assistance to 377 religious

Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today launched the second phase of ‘Assam Darshan Scheme’ at a programme held at Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra where he presented approval letters to 377 religious institutions under the scheme. It may be noted that under Assam Darshan Scheme steps were undertaken to give financial assistance to develop infrastructural and other essential amenities of the religious places of different religions across the state. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sonowal said that the spiritual and cultural edifice of Assam is very strong. Therefore, the places of religious importance should be built in such a way to reverberate the message of spiritual and cultural identity of the state to the foreign tourists who come to Assam from time to time. He also said that under Assam Darshan Scheme, the religious institutions that received Rs. 10 lakh will get Rs. 15 lakh more, upon satisfactory utilization of the first allotment that is Rs. 10 lakh. Sonowal also said that those people who are rich culturally and spiritually are tend to be rich intellectually also. Therefore, Assam Government has conceptualised Assam Darshan Scheme for the all-round enrichment of the State as well as its people. Stating that religions always integrate people, Sonowal said, “Guided by the teachings of different religions, we should work to strengthen our society on the principles of harmony and friendship”. Emphasising the importance of progress through work culture which is evident in all religions, Sonowal mentioned about Sri Krishna’s appeal to Arjuna and the philosophy Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. He also said that all the civilizations attained their prosperity only through hard work. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi who sincerely believes that only through self-reliance one can attain self-dignity, Sonowal said that even Vaishnavite saint Srimanta Sankaradeva also taught the same philosophy to his disciples. Sonowal also said that for spiritual opulence, State government has decided to give Rs. 2.5 lakh to eight thousand namghars which are more than 50 years old. Speaking on the occasion, Health and Family Welfare, Finance etc. Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sharma said that Government of Assam took decision to bring about infrastructural development of the religious institutions through Assam Darshan Scheme. Under the scheme 915 religious institutions received financial grants to the tune of Rs. 10 lakh. In the second phase for 377 religious institutions Rs. 37.7 crore have been released. He said that through Assam Darshan an effort was made to strengthen the foundation of harmonious society. Stating that there is unity among diversities, Dr. Sharma said that Government of Assam respects the diversity. Strengthening the unity in the midst of diversities is the prime objective of Assam Darshan, Dr. Sharma added. Water Resources, Archaeology matter etc. Minister Keshab Mahanta said that under sixth schedule of the Assam Accord, law has been enacted to safeguard religious institutions of the state. Assam Darshan Scheme is one such programme through which government patronage is provided to bring in unity in the state through spiritual institutions. Principal Secretary, Transformation and Development Department Dr. J.B. Ekka gave the welcome address. Principal Secretary to Finance Samir Sinha, senior officers of the government and spiritual heads of the different institutions were present on the occasion.