Assam government launches 'Nijut Moina' scheme to combat child marriage

• Image Credit: Google

• Aug 8, 2024 | Guriya Khatun

The scheme, named Nijut Moina, has been approved by the cabinet and will benefit approximately 10 lakh students, with a budget allocation of Rs 1,500 crore.

Digital Desk: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday launched a new initiative aimed at combating child marriage by providing monthly stipends to female students from Class 11 through post-graduation.

The scheme, named Nijut Moina, has been approved by the cabinet and will benefit approximately 10 lakh students, with a budget allocation of Rs 1,500 crore.

Key Details of the Scheme:

• Eligibility: Female students enrolled in Higher Secondary, Degree First Year, and Post-Graduation First Year at government and government-aided institutions are eligible, regardless of their economic background.

• Financial Assistance: The monthly stipends will be provided for 10 months as follows:
• 
  
• 
  
• Class XI Students: ₹1,000 per month, totaling ₹10,000.
• Graduation First Year (B.A./B.Sc./B.Com): ₹1,250 per month, totaling ₹12,500.
• Post-Graduation First Year (B.Ed./M.A./M.Sc./M.Com): ₹2,500 per month, totaling ₹25,000 (this amount combines the Mobility grant from the Pragyan Bharati scheme with the Nijut Moina scheme).

Additional Information:

• For the current academic year, benefits will be available for 9 months.
• For subsequent years, students will not need to submit a new application; a certificate from their institution confirming their continued enrollment will suffice.

This initiative aims to promote higher education among female students and will complement the existing 'Free Admission' scheme. Notably, the scheme excludes the daughters of MLAs, MPs, and ministers from eligibility.