Assam Launches Scheme to Boost Girls’ Education, Curb Child Marriage

The Assam government, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, started the Mukhya Mantri Nijut Moina (MMNM) plan on June 12, 2024. This was a big step to help girls go to school and stop them from getting married young. Through a structured financial aid scheme, this project aims to give female students more power. The Assam government has allocated Rs. 1,500 crore over five years for the MMNM scheme, with an initial budget of Rs. 300 crore for the first year.

Objectives and Goals of the Scheme

This scheme’s main goals are twofold:

• Empowering Girls through Education: The program gives girls financial incentives to keep going to school, which improves their personal and professional chances.
• Reducing Child Marriage:The plan indirectly aims to lower the number of child marriages in the state by encouraging girls to keep going to school.

Financial Incentives

The MMNM scheme offers varying financial incentives based on the level of education: –

• Higher Secondary Education: Girl students receive Rs. 1,000 per month.
• Graduation Courses: A monthly incentive of Rs. 1,200 for three-year or four-year degree courses is provided.
• Post-graduation and B.Ed: Students in these programs are eligible for Rs. 2,500 per month.

Eligibility

The scheme targets around 10 lakh girl students, excluding: –

• Daughters of ministers and MLAs.
• Students from private institutions (with certain exceptions).
• Those with poor attendance or involvement in activities such as ragging.

Month: Current Affairs - June, 2024

Category: Government Schemes Current Affairs • India Nation & States Current Affairs