‘Nijut Moina’ scheme: First instalment of monthly stipend handed over to girl students in Assam
The Hindu
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma launches 'Nijut Moina' scheme, providing monthly stipends to girl students for education.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday (October 6, 2024) handed over the first instalment of monthly stipends to girl students of Class 11 to post-graduation under a new government scheme. The scheme was launched in August by the Chief Minister.
Mr. Sarma handed the cheques for the first month to the students at a programme in Guwahati, while similar functions were organised across the State in which the girls received the maiden instalment under the ‘Nijut Moina’ scheme.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sarma emphasised the dual purpose of promoting women's education and preventing child marriages through it.
Mr. Sarma said the drop-out rate among girl students, especially as they reach higher levels, was high and analysis of the reasons had pointed to multiple reasons. Primary among the reasons is poor economic conditions, getting engaged in jobs while pursuing studies and early marriage, he said.
“We have two aims behind this scheme, one is to ensure that the girls complete their studies. And, second is that our girls are at least graduates when they get married,” the CM added.
He said that while the Government has been running various schemes to encourage women's education, such as free admission and other incentives, the ‘Nijut Moina’ programme is to provide the girls with the financial help needed to attend classes regularly.
Under the scheme, all girls studying higher secondary will get ₹1,000 every month, it will be ₹1,250 for degree students and ₹2,500 for girls doing post-graduation.