Assam’s ‘Nijut Moina’ scheme offers financial aid to female students to curb child marriage and promote education. Learn about eligibility and benefits.
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What is the Nijut Moina Scheme?
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the Nijut Moina scheme on August 8.
The scheme aims to curb child marriage and empower female students by providing them with monthly financial assistance from higher secondary to post-graduate levels.
How does the ‘Nijut Moina’ Scheme work?
The scheme provides monthly financial support to female students pursuing higher secondary, undergraduate, and post-graduate courses.
The assistance is provided for ten months each academic year, excluding the summer vacation period.
The funds are directly deposited into the student’s bank accounts.
What are the financial benefits of the scheme?
- Higher Secondary Students: ₹1,000 per month
- Graduate Level Students: ₹1,250 per month
- Post-Graduate Level Students: ₹2,500 per month
Who is eligible for the ‘Nijut Moina’ Scheme?
The scheme applies to female students enrolled in government and aided schools, colleges, and universities.
Students must maintain a good attendance and character record to continue receiving benefits beyond the first year.
However, girls who are already married, daughters of ministers, MLAs, MPs, and those who received scooters to secure first division in higher secondary exams are not eligible.
Why was the ‘Nijut Moina’ Scheme introduced?
Assam has one of the highest rates of child marriage in India, particularly in central and lower Assam, where over 50% of girls are married by the age of 18.
This leads to various socio-economic challenges, including early motherhood, malnutrition, lack of education, and increased vulnerability to domestic violence.
The scheme aims to end child marriage and teenage pregnancy by keeping girls in education longer.
What are the objectives of the ‘Nijut Moina’ Scheme?
- End Child Marriage: By promoting education, the scheme seeks to prevent child marriage and teenage pregnancy.
- Increase Education Years: The initiative aims to keep girls in school and college longer, increasing their educational attainment.
- Reach 10 Lakh Beneficiaries: The scheme targets reaching 10 lakh female students over the next four years.
What is the budget for the ‘Nijut Moina’ Scheme?
The proposed budget for the scheme is ₹1,500 crore, which will support female students across Assam, ensuring they have the financial means to continue their education and avoid early marriage.
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