October 6, 2024, will be counted as a red-letter day in the life of Chima Begum, a Class XI student of Solmara Higher Secondary School, Nalbari. She received the first instalment under Chief Minister’s Nijut Moina scheme on the day, something she believes will support her future. This initiative has brought hope to Chima and her peers, allowing them to pursue their educational aspirations amid financial challenges.
“I belong to an improvised family. Since my childhood, I have faced numerous financial challenges,” Chima told Asom Barta while reflecting on her journey, adding, “The announcement of Nijut Moina scheme, offered me a sense of relief with regards to my higher education. The monthly stipend of ₹1,000 will enable me to purchase essential items such as books and stationery.”
Sagarika Das, another student at Solmara Higher Secondary School, echoed Chima’s sentiments. “This support will empower me to take on some financial responsibility without relying entirely on my family,” she said during a conversation over phone.
Rimpi Hazarika, a first-semester chemistry student at North Lakhimpur College, expressed her excitement about receiving Government assistance. Under the Chief Minister’s Nijut Moina scheme, she will receive ₹1,250 monthly for up to 10 months, with a total of ₹12,500. “I live in a hostel, and this financial aid will help cover my monthly living expenses,” Rimpi told this reporter.
Puja Das, a physics student at Thong Nokbe College in Dokmoka, Karbi Anglong, another qualifier under the scheme, added, “My college is quite far from my home. Transport alone cost me around ₹100 per day. This financial support will greatly alleviate that burden.”
Nipen Boruah, father of Pahi Boruah, a student of Moran Mahila Mahavidyalaya, was thrilled to learn about the scheme. As an agricultural worker, he has always dreamt of providing quality education to his only daughter. “Pahi has enrolled in the Political Science Department this year. We are trying our best to secure Pahi’s future and are grateful to the Government of Assam for supporting our efforts through this scheme. It paves the way for girl students to become Atmanirbhar,” Boruah said.
Agreeing with her father, Pahi stated, “I now live in a rented house which costs around ₹1,200 per month. I am planning to pay the rent from this grant.”
Pinki Tipomia, a student of Economics Department at Sissiborgaon College in Dhemaji has decided to spend the financial assistance to purchase essentials, including books while partly taking care of her travel expenses.
Class XI students Abhilekha Pegu, Jimke Das, and Riya Gogoi from Dhakuakhana Higher Secondary School expressed their happiness upon receiving ₹1,000 under the scheme, “The initiative has given us hope of fulfilling our dream of higher education,” the trio asserted.
Meanwhile, Kalpana Gogoi, the Principal of Dhakuakhana Higher Secondary School, lauded the Government of Assam. “With the launching of this ambitious scheme, the Government has shown its concern and commitments towards securing the future of every girl child. I am sure that the Chief Minister’s Nijut Moina Scheme will set an example of fostering awareness and deter social evils like child marriage.”
On November 11, over 1.64 lakh girl students received the second installment amounting to ₹18.39 crore.
