Assam Launches ‘Mukhya Mantri Nijut Moina’ Scheme to Promote Girl Education

On June 12, 2024, the Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, announced the launch of the ‘Mukhya Mantri Nijut Moina’ (MMNM) scheme. This new initiative is designed to promote girl education and eradicate child marriage in Assam.

About the Mukhya Mantri Nijut Moina Scheme:

Objectives and Goals:

• Empowering Girls through Education: The MMNM scheme aims to empower girls across Assam by providing financial incentives and support to encourage their continued education.
• Increasing Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER): A key goal is to boost the overall Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) for girls beyond the matriculation level, ensuring more girls complete their secondary education.
• Eradicating Child Marriage: By promoting education and providing financial support, the scheme seeks to combat the social evil of child marriage, fostering a more progressive and educated society.

Financial Commitment and Coverage:

• Budget Allocation: Initially announced during the presentation of the state budget for 2024-25 on February 12, 2024, the scheme is projected to cost the state exchequer Rs. 300 crore in its first year.
• Long-term Investment: Over a five-year period, the total expenditure is estimated to be around Rs. 1,500 crore, reflecting the state’s commitment to sustained support for girl education.
• Target Beneficiaries: The MMNM scheme is expected to benefit approximately 1 million girl students across Assam, providing them with the necessary resources to pursue their education and achieve their potential.

Implementation and Impact:

The launch of the ‘Mukhya Mantri Nijut Moina’ scheme represents a significant step towards addressing educational disparities and social challenges in Assam. By focusing on the education and empowerment of girls, the state government aims to create a more inclusive and equitable society. The scheme’s financial incentives are designed to alleviate the economic barriers that often prevent girls from continuing their education, thereby contributing to the broader goal of social development and progress in Assam.