Assam Launches Nijut Moina Scheme
The Assam government has started an important program called the ‘Nijut Moina’ scheme to fight against child marriage. This initiative aims to encourage girls to continue their education, especially since child marriage has been a serious problem in the state.
Details of the ‘Nijut Moina’ Scheme
The ‘Nijut Moina’ scheme provides monthly financial support, known as stipends, to girl students from Class 11 up to postgraduate levels. Here’s how much they will receive:
- Rs 1,000 for girls in Classes 11 and 12.
- Rs 1,250 for girls studying for their degree.
- Rs 2,500 for girls pursuing postgraduate studies.
Conditions to Receive the Stipends
To get these stipends, students must meet two main conditions:
- They need to attend school regularly and perform well in their studies.
- They must promise to delay their marriage until they have finished their postgraduate education.
It’s important to note that daughters of government officials cannot benefit from this scheme.
Aim of the Initiative
The initiative, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, aims to eliminate child marriage in Assam by 2026. By providing financial assistance, the scheme encourages girls to continue their education instead of marrying at a young age.
Expected Outcomes
The ‘Nijut Moina’ scheme hopes to help 10 lakh (1 million) girl students with a total investment of Rs 1,500 crore. The expected benefits of the scheme include:
- Encouraging more girls to pursue higher education.
- Reducing financial stress on families by supporting their daughters’ education.
- Fighting against child marriage by promoting educational opportunities.
Evidence of Impact
Previous government efforts have shown positive results, with a significant 81% decrease in child marriage cases in 20 districts of Assam between the years 2021-22 and 2023-24. This new initiative is seen as an important step towards achieving long-term social change and improving the health outcomes for mothers and infants.
Overall, the ‘Nijut Moina’ scheme represents a strong commitment by the Assam government to support girls’ education and combat the practice of child marriage. By providing financial incentives and promoting higher education, the initiative aims to create a brighter future for girls in the state.
Month: Current Affairs - October, 2024
Category: States Current Affairs