Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma introduced a significant new initiative aimed at tackling child marriage in the State. The Nijut Moina scheme will offer monthly stipends to female students from Class 11 through to post-graduation, with the goal of encouraging continued education and reducing the prevalence of early marriages.
The scheme, which has received cabinet approval, is set to benefit approximately 10 lakh students. A substantial budget of Rs 1,500 crore has been allocated for its implementation.
Under Nijut Moina, female students enrolled in government and government-aided educational institutions will receive financial support as follows (for a period of 10 months):
Class XI Students: ₹1,000 per month, totaling ₹10,000.
Graduation 1st Year (BA/BSc/BCom): ₹1,250 per month, totalling ₹12,500.
PG First Year (BEd/MA/MSc/MCom): ₹2,500 per month, totalling ₹25,000. This amount includes the merging of the Mobility Grant from the Pragyan Bharati scheme.
For the current academic year, benefits will be provided for 9 months. Students in subsequent years will not need to reapply; a certificate from their institution confirming their continued enrolment will be sufficient to receive ongoing support.
The Nijut Moina scheme is designed to complement the existing ‘Free Admission’ initiative, aiming to further promote higher education among young women. Importantly, the scheme excludes daughters of MLAs, MPs, and ministers from its benefits, focusing its support on a broader base of beneficiaries.
