The Assam government has taken a commendable step towards promoting girl education and addressing the issue of child marriage in the state. On June 12, 2024, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the launch of the Mukhya Mantri Nijut Moina (MMNM) scheme, which was approved by the Assam government cabinet.
Objectives of the Mukhya Mantri Nijut Moina Scheme
The primary objectives of the Mukhya Mantri Nijut Moina scheme are:
- Empowering Girls through Education: The scheme aims to empower girls in the state by promoting education through financial incentives and support from the government.
- Reducing Child Marriage: By empowering girls through education, the scheme aims to contribute to the reduction of child marriage incidents in Assam.
Financial Incentives for Girl Students
The Mukhya Mantri Nijut Moina scheme will benefit approximately 10 lakh girl students in the state. The financial incentives under the scheme are as follows:
- Higher Secondary Education: Girl students enrolled in higher secondary education will receive Rs. 1,000 per month from the government.
- Graduation Courses: For girls pursuing a three-year or four-year degree graduation course, the incentive is Rs. 1,200 per month.
- Post-Graduation and B.Ed.: Girl students enrolled in Post-Graduation or B.Ed. degree programs will receive Rs. 2,500 per month.
Eligibility Criteria
While the scheme aims to benefit a significant number of girl students, certain categories are not eligible for the incentives:
- Daughters of ministers and Members of the Assam Legislative Assembly (MLAs)
- Girl students who have received scooters under the state government scheme for excelling in Higher Secondary (HS) exams
- Students enrolled in private colleges and universities (except venture colleges)
- Girl students who are irregular in attendance or involved in undesirable activities like ragging
Funding and Implementation
The Mukhya Mantri Nijut Moina scheme is expected to cost the state government Rs. 1,500 crore over the next five years. For the first year, the government has allocated Rs. 300 crore towards the scheme’s implementation.
About Assam
Assam, a state with a rich cultural heritage mentioned in ancient texts like the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Puranas, derives its modern name from the Ahom dynasty that ruled the region from 1228 AD. Located in the North-East region of India, Assam is the largest state by population and the second-largest by area among the Northeastern states.
According to the 2011 census, Assam’s population stands at 3.12 crore, constituting 2.58 percent of India’s total population. The state’s capital is Dispur, and its current Governor is Gulab Chand Kataria.
Assam’s state symbols include the Bihu festival, Bihu dance, Foxtail Orchids (state flower), Dipterocarpus macrocarpus or Hollong (state tree), One-horned Rhinoceros (state animal), and the White-winged Wood Duck or Deo haah (state bird).