Assam’s ‘Nijut Moina’ Fights Child Marriage

The Assam government has introduced a significant new initiative called the ‘Nijut Moina’ scheme, aimed at addressing the ongoing issue of child marriage in the state. This program is designed to encourage young girls to stay in school and continue their education, offering them financial support as an incentive.

Key Features of the ‘Nijut Moina’ Scheme

The ‘Nijut Moina’ scheme provides monthly stipends to girl students, ranging from Class 11 to postgraduate levels. The financial assistance is structured as follows:

• ₹1,000 per month for girls in Classes 11 and 12
• ₹1,250 per month for undergraduate students
• ₹2,500 per month for postgraduate students

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the stipends under this scheme, students must adhere to two key conditions:

1. Regular Attendance and Academic Performance: Students must attend school regularly and maintain satisfactory academic progress.
2. Postponing Marriage: They must pledge not to marry until after they have completed their postgraduate education.

Additionally, it is important to note that the scheme excludes the daughters of government employees from eligibility.

Objective Behind the Initiative

Launched by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the primary goal of the ‘Nijut Moina’ scheme is to eradicate child marriage in Assam by the year 2026. By offering financial support, the program aims to motivate girls to prioritize their education over early marriage, which remains a widespread issue in the region.

Projected Impact

The Assam government is aiming to reach 1 million girl students through this program, with an estimated investment of ₹1,500 crore. The anticipated outcomes include:

• Increasing the number of girls pursuing higher education.
• Easing the financial burden on families, thus encouraging them to support their daughters’ educational journeys.
• Actively discouraging child marriage through the promotion of education.

Signs of Progress

Past government efforts in Assam have already led to a notable reduction in child marriage rates. Between 2021-22 and 2023-24, there was an 81% drop in cases across 20 districts. The introduction of the ‘Nijut Moina’ scheme builds upon this momentum, with the hope of achieving lasting social change and improved health outcomes for both mothers and infants in the state.

This new initiative marks a promising step in Assam’s fight against child marriage, signaling a future where education becomes the most powerful tool for social transformation.