Rolling out a scheme to curb child marriage, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday said monthly stipends will be provided to all girl students from Class 11 to post-graduation. The scheme, Nijut Moina, which will cover around 10 lakh beneficiaries, has been approved by the cabinet and a budget of Rs 1,500 crore has been earmarked for it. "The scheme aims to delay girls' marriage and make them financially independent," Sarma said, adding that the scheme will increase the gross enrollment ratio of girls substantially. बालविवाह पर प्रतिबंध लगाने के लिए हमारी सरकार ने कुछ महत्वपूर्ण निर्णय लिए हैं। Today we have announced significant policy measures to eliminate the practice of child marriage in Assam.#PressConferenceHighlights pic.twitter.com/CsXfYNZdwK — Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) June 12, 2024 Who is eligible under this scheme? All girls taking higher secondary, first-year degree and postgraduate courses at government and venture schools, colleges and universities are eligible for this scheme. "Married girls will not get the benefit, except those enrolled in PG courses," Sarma said, adding that daughters of ministers, MLAs and MPs, and girl students studying in private colleges have not been included in the scheme. In today's meeting of the #AssamCabinet, we took several important decisions including 1️⃣ Rules for implementing Nijut Moina Scheme, to empower our girls and prevent them from becoming victims of child marriage. 2️⃣ Boost connectivity in tea gardens and upgrade schools across… pic.twitter.com/Bo3gDulLwQ — Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) June 12, 2024 What are the financial incentives under this scheme? Class 11 and 12 students will get a monthly stipend of Rs 1,000, degree students will get Rs 1,250 and post graduation students will get Rs 2,500. Beneficiaries will not get a stipend during the two-month summer vacation. The money due for 10 months will be deposited in students' bank accounts.
