Guwahati: In a strategic move aimed at bolstering religious tourism and cultural heritage, the Assam Budget for 2024 has earmarked a substantial amount of Rs 25 crore for the Punya Tirtha Yojana to send tourists to Ayodhya.

Spearheaded by the Department of Tourism, this initiative seeks to facilitate the pilgrimage of 25,000 devotees to the newly-inaugurated Ram Mandir.

Under the ongoing Punya Dham scheme, pilgrims have been provided unparalleled opportunities to embark on spiritual journeys to esteemed destinations such as Puri, Vrindavan, and Varanasi. 

Finance Minister Ajanta Neog, in her budget address, also emphasized the government's focus on religious tourism.

In line with the government's focus on the development of religious institutions, funds have also been allocated for the preservation and enhancement of sattras (monastic institutions) across the state. The revered Batadrava Than, a significant cultural and religious landmark, received an allocation of Rs 240 crore for the preservation of its internal and external structures. Additionally, Rs 15 crore has been earmarked for the initial phase of development and expansion of Sri Sri Patbaushi Satra, while Rs 5 crore has been dedicated to the preservation of Sri Sri Kamalabari Satra in Titabor. Furthermore, an allocation of Rs 2 crore has been made for Srimanta Sankardeva Satra in Barangajuli, Udalguri district.

The budget also includes provisions for supporting cultural activities, with Rs 25,000 allocated to each Bhaona committee. Moreover, a substantial amount of Rs 100 crore has been earmarked over the next three years for the development of Sukapha Samannay Kshetra.

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