Nijut Moina Scheme Launched in Assam to Fight Child Marriage

In a significant move to fight against child marriage in Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of Assam has initiated the disbursement of monthly financial assistance under the Nijut Moina scheme. This step marks a decisive phase in the government’s ongoing battle against this social issue, aiming to provide crucial support to families and empower young girls to pursue their education and well-being.

Main objectives

• To increase enrollment of girl students in Higher Education.
• To increase the percentage of girls educated beyond matriculation in Assam.
• To reduce dropouts among girl students.
• To increase the overall GER of the State.
• To eliminate the social evil of child marriage

CM’s Remarks

• On the occasion Navratri, our war against child marriage has entered into a decisive phase as we began disbursing monthly financial assistance under scheme. 
• On the 11th (day) of every month, Assam’s daughters will receive fixed payments to be in college
• Nijut Moina is unique as it incentivises positive social outcomes, funds higher education, reduces family expenses and bars child marriage by encouraging girls to remain in college. 
• The scheme aims to cover 10 lakh girl students with an outlay of Rs 1,500 crore.
• He Also mentioned overwhelming evidence of past efforts that steered the government to take this initiative. 
• Studies showed how Assam’s crackdown on child marriage has arrested maternal and infant mortality rates. 
• With Nijut Moina, this social evil will get a final nail in the coffin.

Scope of Applicability

Target Group

Financial assistance is available for girl students enrolled in government and venture educational institutions at the following levels:

• Higher Secondary First Year
• Graduation First Year (B.A., B.Sc., B.Com)
• Post-Graduation First Year (M.A., M.Sc., M.Com, B.Ed)

Disciplinary Requirements 

• Students must adhere to their institution’s rules and regulations. Violations may lead to withdrawal of benefits.
• Girls receiving scooters under the Banikanta Kakati Award or daughters of ministers, MPs, and MLAs are not eligible.

Financial Incentives

• Higher Secondary: ₹1,000 per month for a maximum of 10 months (total ₹10,000 per year).
• Graduation: ₹1,250 per month for a maximum of 10 months (total ₹12,500 per year).
• Post-Graduation: ₹2,500 per month for a maximum of 10 months (total ₹25,000 per year).
• Exclusions: No payments will be made during summer or prolonged vacations, and the scheme is not effective in June and July.

Payment Mode

• Financial assistance will be disbursed monthly through Direct Bank Transfer (DBT) to each eligible girl student’s bank account.

Report Number

A report, released by the India Child Protection in July, stated that there had been a whopping 81% reduction in child marriage cases across 20 districts of Assam between 2021-22 and 2023-24.