Guwahati, Feb. 21: The state government has finalised the names of 98 satras across the state to distribute Rs 55 crore for their protection and promotion.

Talking to reporters, state cultural minister Bharat Chandra Narah today said the Centre had sanctioned the money based on the report of a committee constituted by the state government.

“The satras will get the assistance as soon as the Assembly election is over. Some of the satras will get more than Rs 2 crore each,” Narah said.

Narah said the Satra Mahasabha, the apex organisation of the satras, assisted the committee in finalising the names of the beneficiaries.

He added that 862 satras of the state would get government assistance.

This is the second phase of government assistance to the satras. Earlier, 131 satras were given financial assistance under the Assam Vikash Yojna.

Narah added that chief minister Tarun Gogoi submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during his visit to the state, requesting a new bridge over the Brahmaputra, connecting Disangmukh and Tekeliphuta in Sivasagar and Lakhimpur districts respectively.

“Gogoi also submitted a proposal of Rs 350 crore to construct a bridge connecting Lakhimpur and Kamalabari in Majuli,” he said.

“Singh has taken the matter seriously. We are hopeful of getting the Centre’s nod soon,” he added.