Is Assam Setting the Benchmark in the Fight Against Child Marriage?
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Synopsis
In a significant announcement, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reveals Assam's effective strategies in combating child marriage. The innovative Nijut Moina initiative is not just transforming the lives of young girls but also serves as a role model for other states. Discover how this game-changing scheme is paving the way for a brighter future.
Key Takeaways
- Assam is effectively combating child marriage through innovative initiatives.
- The Nijut Moina program provides financial support to empower young girls.
- More than 10 lakh girl students are targeted for assistance under this scheme.
- Education is a key focus in eradicating the issue of child marriage.
- Strict eligibility criteria ensure the program's effectiveness.
Guwahati, May 27 (NationPress) Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma declared on Tuesday that Assam is effectively tackling the issue of child marriage, with the state's approach serving as a model for others to emulate.
Previously, CM Sarma highlighted that the state government's significant initiative, Nijut Moina, aimed at assisting young girls through financial support, has been instrumental in eliminating child marriage from the community.
He stated, "The #NijutMoina Achoni is empowering girls throughout Assam to achieve their dreams by rescuing them from the plight of child marriage and enabling them to continue their education. Let’s listen to our young Bhagins as they share how this initiative has positively impacted their lives."
The Chief Minister explained that in conjunction with stringent enforcement, supportive programs like the Nijut Moina initiative have been elevating the status of girl children toward a brighter future. This initiative intends to assist 10 lakh girl students with a total budget of Rs 1,500 crore, and in its initial year, over 1.6 lakh girls will receive Rs 240 crore.
He mentioned, "Assam has embarked on a monumental project by introducing Nijut Moina. Under this scheme, girl students pursuing graduation receive a monthly scholarship exceeding Rs 1,000, while those in post-graduation are granted Rs 2,500 monthly to help with their educational expenses. Our goal is for girls to be self-sufficient in their higher education pursuits without relying on their parents."
"We expect that Nijut Moina will succeed in eradicating the scourge of child marriage within the next few years," he remarked.
CM Sarma elaborated that a key prerequisite for participating in this scheme is that the girl students must remain unmarried until they complete their post-graduation.
"The goal of this initiative is to eliminate child marriage, so girls studying at the undergraduate level must remain unmarried until they finish their degree. After reaching post-graduation, there are no restrictions on remaining unmarried to benefit from the Nijut Moina scheme. By then, they will have reached the minimum marriage age, and we hope they marry at an appropriate time and lead fulfilling lives," he stated.
The Chief Minister also established another stipulation that no daughter of an MP, MLA, or minister is eligible to receive benefits from this financial support initiative.
Point of View
It is crucial to acknowledge the proactive measures being taken by Assam in addressing child marriage. The Nijut Moina initiative exemplifies a comprehensive approach that combines financial support with educational empowerment, setting a precedent for other states. As we aim for a society free from child marriage, the collaborative efforts of governments and communities will be vital.
NationPress
31/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Nijut Moina initiative?
The Nijut Moina initiative is a state-funded program in Assam aimed at providing financial assistance to young girls to support their education and help eliminate child marriage.
How much financial support do girls receive under this scheme?
Under the Nijut Moina scheme, girl students pursuing graduation receive over Rs 1,000 monthly, while those in post-graduation receive Rs 2,500 per month.
What are the eligibility criteria for the Nijut Moina initiative?
To qualify for the Nijut Moina initiative, girl students must remain unmarried until they complete their post-graduation.
