Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma distributes first stipend to girl students under ‘Nijut Moina’ scheme

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday distributed the first instalment of monthly stipends to girl students from class 11 to post-graduation under the newly launched ‘Nijut Moina’ scheme. This programme aims to support women’s education and reduce early marriages, addressing high dropout rates among female students, especially at higher levels of education.

The scheme, initiated by the Assam government in August, was designed to provide financial assistance to girls to ensure regular attendance and completion of studies. Sarma distributed the cheques for the first month during a programme in Guwahati, while similar events were held across the state to reach students.

Addressing the gathering, Sarma emphasized that the initiative has a dual purpose—promoting women’s education and preventing child marriages. He noted that the high dropout rate among girls, especially in higher education, is driven by several factors, including poor economic conditions, employment pressures, and early marriages.

“We aim to ensure that girls not only complete their studies but also attain at least a graduation degree before they marry,” the Chief Minister stated. Under the ‘Nijut Moina’ scheme, the government will provide Rs 1,000 per month to girls in higher secondary education, Rs 1,250 for undergraduate students, and Rs 2,500 for those pursuing post-graduation. All girls studying in government or government-aided institutions are eligible for the stipend, regardless of their financial background, except for those attending private colleges.

Starting next month, the stipend will be directly credited to students' bank accounts, and the amount will be distributed for 10 months each year, excluding June and July during the summer vacation period. Sarma clarified that girls must adhere to proper conduct and behavior to continue receiving the stipend. While married women pursuing post-graduation or a B.Ed are eligible for the scheme, girls marrying before completing their undergraduate studies will lose the benefit.

The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of gender equality and universal women’s education, calling it essential for societal progress. Sarma also hinted at the introduction of a similar scheme for boys in the government’s next annual budget. Responding to opposition criticism that such schemes create ‘beneficiaries,’ the Chief Minister countered, saying that the initiative aims to foster a generation of educated youth who will contribute to the state’s progress.

“The Congress claims we are creating beneficiaries. I say we are creating an educated generation that will lead Assam to become one of the top states in the country,” Sarma asserted. The government estimates that the scheme will require Rs 1,500 crore over five years to benefit nearly 10 lakh girls. For the first year, the financial burden is projected to be Rs 300 crore, covering approximately two lakh students. The ‘Nijut Moina’ scheme is a significant step toward promoting women’s education in Assam. By providing financial support and discouraging early marriages, the initiative aims to reduce dropout rates and empower young women in the state.