In an effort to combat child marriage and empower girls through education, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has launched the 'Nijut Moina' scheme. This initiative will provide monthly stipends to girl students from class 11 through post-graduation over the next five years. The scheme is set to benefit around 10 lakh girls and is allocated Rs 1,500 crore for its implementation.
Announcing the scheme at a press conference, Chief Minister Sarma emphasized that its primary goal is to delay the marriage of young girls, enabling them to achieve financial independence and contribute to their families' income. Married girls will not be eligible for the stipend, with the exception of those enrolled in post-graduate programs.
"The 'Nijut Moina' scheme will significantly increase the gross enrollment ratio of girls in higher education," Sarma stated confidently.
Under the scheme, girls in classes 11 and 12 will receive Rs 1,000 per month, while undergraduate students will get Rs 1,250, and those pursuing post-graduation will receive Rs 2,500 monthly. The stipend will be disbursed for 10 months a year, with no payments during the summer months of June and July.
"All girls, regardless of their financial background, will benefit from the scheme, except for daughters of ministers, MLAs, MPs, and those studying in private colleges," Sarma clarified.
The funds will be directly deposited into the bank accounts of the students to ensure transparency and efficiency in the disbursement process.
The 'Nijut Moina' scheme is expected to play a crucial role in encouraging more girls to pursue higher education, thereby promoting gender equality and socio-economic development in Assam.
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