Govt. all set to introduce Asom Darshan scheme

The State government is all set to launch the Asom Darshanscheme on Monday under which Rs 710 crore will be spent to develop andpublicize places of tourist interest and religious importance.

The three components of the scheme include enhancement of theannuity grant given to devalayas by Rs 2 lakh, a grant of Rs 10 lakh to upgradeinfrastructure of 915 religious places and Rs 615-crore road works to improveconnectivity to these places.

Among the 915 religious places which will get Rs 10 lakh forinfrastructure upgrade are 459 temples, 186 satras, 123 naamghars, 47 mosquesand 26 churches. All these institutions are more than 100 years old andaccording to the minister in many of these places, lack of essential facilitieshave been creating a huge challenge and making experiences of devotees lessthan desirable. The scheme will be implemented by the respective deputycommissioners.

The PWD will spearhead the initiative of improving the roadnetwork to these places at a cost of Rs 615 crore.