Guwahati (Assam) [India], March 21 (HBTV): The Assam government has approved the creation of the Sattra Preservation and Development Board in the state Budget for 2025-26. The decision follows an examination of recommendations made by a high-level committee chaired by Justice (Retd) Biplab Kumar Sharma on the implementation of Clause 6 of the Assam Accord. The government has decided to implement the recommendations that fall within its jurisdiction, according to an official press release.

Sattras are monastic institutions of the Neo-Vaishnavite tradition that serve as socio-religious and cultural centres in Assam. These institutions were founded by Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva in the 16th century.

The state Budget stated, ‘We shall create a separate five-member Sattra Preservation and Development Board with autonomous funding, function and functionaries with representatives from Sattra, Judiciary and Land Governance. Sattra Preservation and Development Board shall be vested with adequate powers of Assam Board of Revenue to effectively protect the Sattra land from encroachment and land grabbing. We shall place the necessary Bill before this August House.’

The Budget further added, ‘We will give both statutory powers and financial resources to the Sattra Preservation and Development Board to look after the overall protection and development of Sattra Institutions.’

To ensure the board is equipped with both financial independence and legal authority, a bill will be introduced in the state Assembly for official approval and support.

Deputy Speaker of the Assam Legislative Assembly, Numal Momin, stated that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has taken the right decision by establishing the Sattra Preservation and Development Board. He remarked, ‘There was a long agitation during the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) movement with demands to preserve Assamese culture and heritage. The Sattra Preservation and Development Board is a part of this, and our Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma has taken a very right decision to constitute a Sattra Preservation and Development Board to protect the Sattras and prevent the encroachment and eviction of encroached land of Sattras. The people will definitely love it.’

Momin also noted that this initiative would help indigenous people live with dignity. ‘This is the difference between the Congress and BJP governments. During the Congress regime, thousands of Sattras’ lands were encroached upon by people who migrated from Bangladesh. After BJP came into power in 2016, we are trying hard to preserve our culture and heritage, to give strength to the indigenous people, and to secure their rights,’ he said.

(ANI)