In a letter to Vishwaprasanna Tirth Swamiji, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said central government has set aside Rs 900 crores for a scheme that aims to provide financial assistance to registered goshalas.
The seer had pleaded Sitharaman to dedicate Rs 200 crore for the betterment of goshalas as they were financially troubled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. On Tuesday, Swamiji visited the minister and reminded her of that requested. Taking note of that, Sitharaman informed him that the finance ministry has already transferred Rs 900 crore for the cause.
The registered goshalas will receive their funds through the state governments, who will be apprised of the fine print of the scheme by the ministry. Sitharaman asserted that her department will also ensure that there is transparency in the disbursement of the amounts.
Pleased with the government’s response and considering the occasion of Diwali, Sri Vishwaprasanna Tirtha Swamiji gifted the union minister two handloom sarees that were woven by the members of Udupi Weavers Cooperative society.
He also offered her the prasad of Shri Krishna, presiding deity of the temple, with fruits on a silver plate. Vasudev Bhat, a social activist present during the meeting, said, “The minister exhibited her humility by conducting the entire discourse with the Pejavar mutt swamiji by being seated on the floor.”
