Assam's Education Initiatives See Significant Growth in Beneficiaries

Celebrating Educational Progress in Assam

Guwahati, Oct 15: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed optimism regarding the increasing enrolment in Assam’s Nijut Moina and Nijut Babu schemes, suggesting that this growth is a positive sign rather than a concern. He announced plans to broaden the girls’ education initiative to include four additional universities and nursing programs starting next year.

“Typically, an increase in beneficiaries raises concerns about funding. However, the rise in participants for the Nijut Moina and Nijut Babu schemes brings us joy, indicating their success,” Sarma stated during a ceremonial event at the Jyoti-Bishnu International Art Centre in Guwahati.

During the event, he revealed that students would receive their October financial assistance on the same day, while the September payments would be distributed after Durga Puja.

This year, a total of 4,39,598 students are expected to benefit from the Nijut Moina and Nijut Babu schemes, showcasing their growing impact, according to the Chief Minister.

Among these beneficiaries, 2,36,292 are college students, 1,14,999 are enrolled in polytechnic institutions, 456 are in SCERT B.Ed programs, and 1,07,876 are higher secondary students.

The Nijut Babu scheme, which provides similar financial support to male students, has also seen a significant increase in its beneficiaries, rising from 49,000 last year to 1,02,501 this year.

Sarma mentioned that the government is contemplating extending the Nijut Moina benefits to students at Auniati University, Srimanta Sankaradeva University, Pragjyotish University, and Krishnaguru Adhyatmik University.

“I urge the Education Minister to facilitate their inclusion,” he assured the audience.

Additionally, students pursuing Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery (ANM), General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM), and BSc Nursing courses may also be included in the scheme from next year.

The government is also looking into the possibility of increasing the financial aid provided to beneficiaries.

Addressing Dropout Rates and Child Marriage

Launched in 2024, the Nijut Moina scheme was developed in response to concerns regarding child marriage and early motherhood in Assam, as highlighted by discussions surrounding the National Family Health Survey (NFHS).

According to Sarma, the government's efforts to combat child marriage have resulted in over 10,000 arrests. However, the administration acknowledges that families require financial assistance to educate their daughters instead of marrying them off prematurely.

“At that time, it was pointed out that families would not marry off their daughters, but they needed financial support for education. Thus, we initiated the Nijut Moina scheme in 2024 to ensure the government takes on the responsibility of educating girls,” Sarma explained.

He noted that the scheme has helped reduce dropout rates, with beneficiaries frequently reaching out to the government for updates on fund disbursement.

Sarma emphasized that students must attend college regularly to qualify for financial assistance, highlighting that the initiative aims to promote ongoing education rather than merely providing financial support.

The introduction of the Nijut Babu scheme was a response to requests from boys during district visits seeking similar financial aid as that offered to girls under the Nijut Moina scheme.

While both schemes serve distinct social purposes, the government decided to extend financial support to male students as well, he stated.

The Chief Minister also encouraged students to aim for high-ranking positions in public service, rather than limiting their aspirations to state-level roles.

“Positions like ACS and APS should not be the ultimate goal; we should strive for IPS. We need representation at the highest levels of government,” he remarked, referring to the Assam Civil Service (ACS), Assam Police Service (APS), and Indian Police Service (IPS).