ProfessorOn June 12, 2024, the Assam government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, initiated the Mukhya Mantri Nijut Moina (MMNM) plan. This significant move aims to enhance girls’ access to education and prevent child marriages. The scheme provides structured financial aid to empower female students. The Assam government has allocated Rs. 1,500 crore over five years for the MMNM scheme, starting with an initial budget of Rs. 300 crore for the first year.
Objectives and Goals of the Scheme This scheme has two main goals:
Empowering Girls through Education: The program provides financial incentives for girls to continue their education, enhancing their personal and professional prospects.
Reducing Child Marriage: By encouraging girls to stay in school, the scheme aims to indirectly reduce the incidence of child marriages in the state.
Financial Incentives The MMNM scheme offers different 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 is provided for three-year or four-year degree courses.
- 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.
Neha Baruah
