Guwahati, Jan. 2 -- Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday launched the Financial Assistance Scheme for Udasin Bhakats, providing monthly support of Rs 1,500 to celibate Vaishnavite monks associated with Satras across the state.

In the Assamese Vaishnavite tradition, Sattras are monastic institutions that serves as religious and cultural centres. Devotees called bhakats gather the sattras to offer prayers. Sattras where bhakats lead celibate lives are known as Udasin Sattras.

Addressing the launch event in Guwahati, the Assam Chief Minister said the scheme was announced in last year's state budget and has now been implemented.

"We had mentioned the scheme of financial assistance to Udasin Bhakat in our last year's budget, a...