How has the cash transfer scheme for girls helped eradicate child marriage?

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How has the cash transfer scheme for girls helped eradicate child marriage?

Synopsis

Assam's <b>Nijut Moina</b> initiative, aimed at supporting young girls with cash benefits, has made significant strides in combating child marriage. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasizes the program's role in empowering girls to pursue education and dreams, positioning it as a vital tool for societal change.

Key Takeaways

  • Nijut Moina supports educational aspirations of girls.
  • Financial benefits encourage girls to remain unmarried until higher education.
  • Assam government invests heavily in eradicating child marriage.
  • Program aims to uplift 10 lakh girl students.
  • Eligibility excludes daughters of politicians to ensure fairness.

Guwahati, May 7 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, declared on Wednesday that the state government's innovative initiative, Nijut Moina, aimed at empowering young girls through financial support, has effectively contributed to the fight against child marriage in society.

Sarma stated, “The #NijutMoina Achoni is aiding girls throughout Assam in achieving their dreams by liberating them from the shackles of child marriage, enabling them to continue their education. Let's listen to our young Bhagins and learn how this initiative has impacted their lives.”

The Chief Minister emphasized that in conjunction with strict regulations, supportive programs like Nijut Moina are guiding young girls towards a brighter future. The Nijut Moina program is designed to benefit 10 lakh girl students with an investment of Rs 1,500 crore, with over 1.6 lakh girls set to receive Rs 240 crore in the first year.

Sarma explained, “Assam has initiated a significant program by introducing Nijut Moina. Under this initiative, girl students pursuing undergraduate studies are awarded a monthly scholarship exceeding Rs 1000, while those in post-graduate programs receive Rs 2500 monthly to assist with their educational costs. Our objective is to ensure that girl students do not rely on their families for higher education.”

“We are optimistic that Nijut Moina will succeed in eliminating the scourge of child marriage from the state within the next few years,” he remarked. Sarma added that a fundamental requirement for participating in this initiative is that girl students must remain unmarried until they complete their post-graduate studies.

“Since this initiative's goal is to abolish child marriage, girl students enrolled in undergraduate programs must remain unmarried until they finish their degree. Once they reach the post-graduate level, there are no restrictions on their marital status to benefit from the Nijut Moina scheme. At that stage, they will be of legal marriage age, and we also want them to marry at an appropriate age and enjoy a fulfilling life,” he noted.

The Chief Minister also established a stipulation that no daughters of Members of Parliament, Members of Legislative Assembly, or ministers are eligible for benefits from this financial support program.

Point of View

I believe that initiatives like Nijut Moina reflect a commitment to empowering young girls and addressing societal issues such as child marriage. The proactive approach taken by the Assam government in providing financial support and education opportunities is commendable. It is crucial to continue monitoring the effectiveness of such programs to ensure they yield long-term positive results.
NationPress
08/06/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Nijut Moina scheme?
Nijut Moina is an initiative by the Assam government aimed at providing cash benefits to support young girls, helping them pursue education and combat child marriage.
Who is eligible for the Nijut Moina scheme?
Girl students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies are eligible, provided they remain unmarried until completing their education.
What financial support do beneficiaries receive?
Beneficiaries receive over Rs 1000 monthly for undergraduate studies and Rs 2500 monthly for postgraduate studies.
How many girls will benefit from the scheme?
The scheme aims to support 10 lakh girl students, with an initial outlay of Rs 240 crore for over 1.6 lakh girls in its first year.
Are daughters of politicians eligible for the scheme?
No, daughters of Members of Parliament, Members of Legislative Assembly, or ministers are not eligible for benefits under the Nijut Moina initiative.