Assam Government Launches Scheme to Combat Child Marriage and Empower Girl Students

The Assam government has approved a scheme called ‘Mukhya Mantri Nijut Moina’ (MMNM) aimed at combating child marriage and empowering girl students, benefiting around 10 lakh girls. Announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the scheme provides monthly monetary assistance to girl students: Rs. 1,000 for higher secondary students, Rs. 1,200 for those in three- or four-year degree courses, and Rs. 2,500 for post-degree or B.Ed. students. The scheme excludes daughters of ministers and MLAs, students from private colleges, and those who received scooters for excelling in exams. It also mandates that girls must remain unmarried until they complete their degree, though married girls pursuing post-graduate degrees can still benefit. The initiative, starting from July 1 for colleges and September for universities, will run for 10 months each year over five years, costing the government Rs. 300 crore.