Guwahati, Jul 30 (PTI) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday reviewed preparations for launch of the second edition of the ‘Nijut Moina’ scheme, which provides financial support to eligible girl students for higher studies.
Sarma held a video conference with his cabinet colleagues, MLAs, district commissioners (DCs), principals of educational institutions and officials from the education department to review the rollout of the scheme.
”The fight against child marriage gets stronger. Last year, our flagship scheme #NijutMoina helped close to 2 lakh girls with Rs 132 cr in assistance,” he said in a post on X.
The scheme was launched in October last year to provide financial assistance to girl students from higher secondary to post-graduate level in government and government-aided institutions, as most girls drop out of school after Class 10 and parents marry them off thereafter, officials said.
Assam is the first state where the scheme has been launched, with the primary objective to curb child marriage by increasing the enrolment of girl students in higher education, they said.
This year, the forms will be distributed to eligible girl students from August 6, the CM said.
Sarma directed the DCs and principals to ensure smooth and transparent implementation of the scheme with maximum reach.
He had earlier said the ‘Nijut Moina’ programme is aimed to protect children’s rights to education, health, protection, empower girls to make informed choices and economic independence, delay marriage until emotional, mental and physical maturity and reduce teenage motherhood.
This is not a scheme to create beneficiaries, but to ensure a long-term social impact to develop the inherent talent of the girl child, Sarma had said.
Girls from all families, irrespective of their economic condition, are eligible for the scheme.
Under the scheme, girl students of Class 11 will receive Rs 1,000 per month, those in degree first year will get Rs 1,250 per month and those in post-graduation and B.Ed will receive Rs 2,500 per month. PTI DG RBT
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