Assam's Mukhya Mantri Nijut Moina Scheme: Empowering Girls

The Mukhya Mantri Nijut Moina (MMNM) Initiative

In a significant move to combat the prevalence of child marriage and promote girl education, the Assam government has introduced the Mukhya Mantri Nijut Moina (MMNM) scheme. Announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on June 12, 2024, the scheme aims to empower girl students through financial assistance, encouraging them to pursue higher education and delay marriage.

The MMNM scheme is expected to benefit approximately 10 lakh girl students across the state, providing them with monthly monetary support based on their level of education. This initiative reflects the government's commitment to addressing the deep-rooted issue of child marriage and fostering an environment that nurtures and supports the dreams and aspirations of Assam's young women.

Financial Assistance and Eligibility

Under the MMNM scheme, the following financial assistance will be provided:

1. Higher Secondary Students: Girls enrolled in the first year of higher secondary education will receive Rs. 1,000 per month, excluding vacation periods.

2. Undergraduate Students: Those pursuing three-year or four-year degree courses will be eligible for a monthly assistance of Rs. 1,200.

3. Postgraduate and B.Ed. Students: Girl students enrolled in postgraduate or B.Ed. programs will receive Rs. 2,500 per month.

However, it is important to note that students who have already received a scooter for excelling in the Higher Secondary (HS) exams will not be eligible for these monetary benefits under the MMNM scheme.

Promoting Education, Preventing Child Marriage

The MMNM scheme is designed to address the intertwined issues of child marriage and girl education in Assam. By providing financial support, the government aims to encourage families to prioritize their daughters' education over early marriage, thereby empowering young women and breaking the cycle of child marriage.

To further reinforce this objective, the scheme has specific provisions in place. Married girls will not be eligible for the monetary benefits up to the degree level. This measure aims to incentivize families to delay their daughters' marriages until they have completed their undergraduate studies. However, married women pursuing postgraduate degrees can still avail themselves of the scheme's benefits.

Additionally, the MMNM scheme sets certain behavioral and academic standards. Students who are irregular in attendance or involved in undesirable activities such as ragging will be disqualified from receiving the financial assistance.

Eligibility and Implementation

While the MMNM scheme aims to benefit a wide range of girl students, there are certain exclusions. The daughters of ministers and Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) will not be eligible for the scheme, nor will students from private colleges and universities, with the exception of those attending venture colleges.

The Assam government has allocated Rs. 300 crore for the implementation of the MMNM scheme in the first year, with a projected cost of Rs. 1,500 crore over the next five years. College students will begin receiving benefits from July 1, 2024, while university students will start from September 2024.

The Mukhya Mantri Nijut Moina scheme represents a significant step forward in Assam's efforts to empower young girls and ensure their continued education, contributing to the broader goal of eradicating child marriage in the state. By providing financial support and incentives, the government aims to create a society where every girl has the opportunity to pursue her dreams and reach her full potential.