In a significant move to fight against child marriage in Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of Assam has initiated the disbursement of monthly financial assistance under the Nijut Moina scheme. This step marks a decisive phase in the government’s ongoing battle against this social issue, aiming to provide crucial support to families and empower young girls to pursue their education and well-being.
Main objectives
- To increase enrollment of girl students in Higher Education.
- To increase the percentage of girls educated beyond matriculation in Assam.
- To reduce dropouts among girl students.
- To increase the overall GER of the State.
- To eliminate the social evil of child marriage
Scope of Applicability
Target Group
Financial assistance is available for girl students enrolled in government and venture educational institutions at the following levels:
- Higher Secondary First Year
- Graduation First Year (B.A., B.Sc., B.Com)
- Post-Graduation First Year (M.A., M.Sc., M.Com, B.Ed)
Disciplinary Requirements
- Students must adhere to their institution’s rules and regulations. Violations may lead to withdrawal of benefits.
- Girls receiving scooters under the Banikanta Kakati Award or daughters of ministers, MPs, and MLAs are not eligible.
Financial Incentives
- Higher Secondary: ₹1,000 per month for a maximum of 10 months (total ₹10,000 per year).
- Graduation: ₹1,250 per month for a maximum of 10 months (total ₹12,500 per year).
- Post-Graduation: ₹2,500 per month for a maximum of 10 months (total ₹25,000 per year).
- Exclusions: No payments will be made during summer or prolonged vacations, and the scheme is not effective in June and July.
Payment Mode
- Financial assistance will be disbursed monthly through Direct Bank Transfer (DBT) to each eligible girl student’s bank account.
Report Number
A report, released by the India Child Protection in July, stated that there had been a whopping 81% reduction in child marriage cases across 20 districts of Assam between 2021-22 and 2023-24.
