What Are the Stark Disparities in Girls’ Education in Assam?
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Synopsis
In Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has raised critical concerns about the alarming disparities in girls' education, highlighting the contrast between urban and rural experiences. His call for action aims to combat child marriage and promote educational opportunities for young girls, especially in marginalized communities.
Key Takeaways
- Deep-rooted socio-cultural inequalities affect girls' education in Assam.
- Child marriage remains a significant issue in rural areas.
- The Nijut Moina scheme aims to support at least 4 lakh girls in their education.
- Urban centers offer more educational opportunities than rural areas.
- Collective action is needed to address these disparities.
Guwahati, Aug 6 (NationPress) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed serious concerns regarding the entrenched socio-cultural disparities impacting young girls throughout various regions of the state, highlighting rampant occurrences of child marriage and insufficient access to education in specific areas.
During a public address, Sarma juxtaposed the experiences of girls in urban hubs like Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and Silchar—where educational and career opportunities are prevalent—with those in more rural locations, where child marriage remains a prevalent issue.
“In certain areas, girls as young as 12 are becoming mothers, while in our cities, girls of the same age are focused on their studies and aspiring to build careers,” he remarked. The Chief Minister shed light on alarming trends in rural communities, where girls are often married off between the ages of 9 and 12, frequently becoming the third spouse in polygamous families.
“There are 14-year-old girls living as third wives, deprived of education, forced into early marriages, and burdened with motherhood at an age far too young,” Sarma lamented.
He illustrated this as a striking contrast to the lives of their urban counterparts, many of whom are advancing their education.
Urging a unified effort towards social reform, CM Sarma emphasized that the state must confront these inequalities directly.
“We cannot overlook the reality that while one segment of Assam advances in education and empowerment, another remains constrained by outdated traditions. This gap must be bridged,” he emphasized.
The Chief Minister’s comments come amid ongoing initiatives by the Assam government to combat child marriage and enhance girls' education, especially in vulnerable and marginalized communities.
On Wednesday, CM Sarma launched the second phase of the ambitious Nijut Moina scheme aimed at supporting the education of girls across the state. In this phase, at least 4 lakh girls in Assam will be provided with financial assistance to pursue their education.
The Chief Minister asserted that this initiative was designed to eliminate child marriage from the state.
“We have reinvigorated our efforts against child marriage with the launch of #NijutMoina2.0, which will benefit over 4 lakh girls in Assam, helping them avoid early marriages and enabling their educational aspirations,” he stated.
The initiative covers eligible girl students from Higher Secondary, Under Graduate, Post Graduate, B.Ed, and Integrated Teacher Education Programmes.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the ongoing challenges faced by girls in Assam concerning education and societal norms. The Assam government's initiatives, such as the Nijut Moina scheme, showcase a commitment to addressing these disparities. However, ongoing efforts must be intensified to ensure that every girl has the opportunity to pursue her dreams, free from the shackles of early marriage and educational deprivation.
NationPress
05/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Nijut Moina scheme?
The Nijut Moina scheme is an initiative by the Assam government aimed at supporting the education of girls by providing financial assistance to help them pursue their studies.
What are the main issues affecting girls' education in Assam?
The primary issues affecting girls' education in Assam include child marriage, socio-cultural inequalities, and lack of access to educational resources, particularly in rural areas.
How is the Assam government addressing child marriage?
The Assam government is actively working to combat child marriage through initiatives like the Nijut Moina scheme and public awareness campaigns to promote girls' education.
What age are girls typically married off in Assam?
In some rural regions of Assam, girls are reportedly married off as young as 9 to 12 years old, often becoming third wives in polygamous households.
What measures are being taken to promote girls' education?
The Assam government is implementing financial support schemes, such as the Nijut Moina initiative, to encourage girls to continue their education and delay marriage.
