In a significant move to combat child marriage and encourage girls to continue their education, the Assam government has introduced the ‘Nijut Moina’ scheme. This initiative is part of the state’s broader efforts to eliminate child marriage, which has been a persistent issue in Assam, particularly in rural areas. With Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma at the helm, the scheme seeks to empower young girls by providing financial support and promoting higher education as a means to improve their futures.
Key Features of the ‘Nijut Moina’ Scheme
The ‘Nijut Moina’ scheme offers monthly stipends to girl students, ensuring that they have the financial backing to pursue their education. The stipends are provided from Class 11 up to the postgraduate level, based on the student’s academic stage. Here’s a breakdown of the financial assistance:
- Rs 1,000 for girls in Classes 11 and 12
- Rs 1,250 for girls pursuing a degree
- Rs 2,500 for girls enrolled in postgraduate studies
Conditions for Receiving the Stipends
To be eligible for the stipends under this scheme, students must adhere to two important conditions:
- Regular attendance and academic performance: Students are required to maintain consistent school attendance and perform well in their studies.
- Commitment to delay marriage: One of the core conditions is that girls must promise not to marry until they have completed their postgraduate education. This measure is aimed directly at reducing the incidence of child marriage by encouraging girls to prioritize their education over early marriage.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that daughters of government officials are excluded from benefiting under this scheme, ensuring that the support reaches the most vulnerable and deserving girls in the state.
Objective of the Initiative
The primary goal of the ‘Nijut Moina’ scheme is to completely eliminate child marriage in Assam by the year 2026. By offering financial incentives, the Assam government hopes to create an environment where girls are motivated to stay in school and complete their education, which in turn delays their marriage and opens up better opportunities for their future. The initiative aligns with the state’s broader commitment to uplift the socio-economic status of women and reduce the harmful effects of early marriage on maternal and infant health.
Impact and Expected Benefits
With an estimated budget of Rs 1,500 crore, the scheme is expected to benefit 10 lakh (1 million) girl students across Assam. The benefits of this initiative are expected to be far-reaching:
- Increase in female education: The scheme will encourage more girls to pursue higher education, reducing dropout rates after high school.
- Reduced financial burden on families: By offering stipends, the scheme lessens the economic strain on families, making education more accessible and reducing the need for early marriage due to financial pressures.
- Curbing child marriage: By promoting education as a priority, the scheme directly targets the social practice of child marriage, which has been prevalent in parts of the state.
Evidence of Success
Assam’s previous efforts in tackling child marriage have already shown promising results. Between 2021-22 and 2023-24, child marriage cases saw an 81% decrease across 20 districts in Assam. This progress highlights the effectiveness of government-led interventions in promoting education and reducing child marriage. The ‘Nijut Moina’ scheme is seen as another critical step towards achieving long-term social change, improving health outcomes for women, and ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.
Summing Up
The launch of the ‘Nijut Moina’ scheme underscores the Assam government’s strong commitment to addressing the dual challenges of child marriage and girls’ education. By providing financial incentives, the scheme empowers girls to pursue higher education and make informed choices about their futures. This progressive initiative has the potential to transform the lives of millions of girls in Assam, paving the way for a more educated, empowered, and socially progressive state.