In a move to enhance enrolment of girl students in higher education and discourage social evil of child marriage in the State, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma announced a scheme titled ‘Mukhya Mantri Nijut Moina’, under which the State Government will provide monthly stipends to girl students from Class 11 to postgraduation over the next five years.
Launching the scheme, Chief Minister Dr. Sarma said that it will cost the State exchequer ₹1,500 cr over the next five years, while it is likely to benefit approximately 10 lakh girl students. For the first year, the Government has allocated ₹300 cr towards the implementation of the scheme.
The Chief Minister emphasised that this initiative aims to prevent child marriages and support the education of girls across the State. “Today, we have launched a unique scheme to fight against early marriage of girl students, and also to inspire them to continue their education up to the postgraduate level,” Dr. Sarma said.
The stipend amounts will be ₹1,000 per month for girls in Classes 11 and 12, ₹1,250 for degree students, and ₹2,500 for those pursuing postgraduate studies, including B Ed studies. Beginning October, these amounts will be transferred to the girls’ bank accounts on the 11th of every month. The financial support will be distributed over 10-months each year except for the months of June and July, when educational institutions are closed due to summer vacation.
Dr. Sarma said that this support from the State Government for girl students will make them financially independent and will also reduce the financial burden of poor families to enable their daughters to pursue higher education.
“Through implementation of the scheme, we want to prevent the menace of child marriage and take the responsibility of educating girls. The burden on the guardian or parents will largely be reduced. This is a unique scheme conceived by us,” added the Chief Minister.
“The scheme is a dis-incentive against early marriage. Implementation of this scheme will substantially increase the gross enrolment ratio of girls in colleges and universities”.
Dr. Sarma said that forms of the MMNM will be distributed from July 1 among girl students in colleges during admission while in universities forms will be available from September 1. Form can also be downloaded from the MMNM portal.
The Chief Minister said that if any beneficiary opts for marriage between higher secondary and graduation, her name will be dropped from the list. However, those choosing to marry at the post-graduation level would be allowed to do so. “The scheme has been proposed to make girl students continue their studies until graduation by making them self-sufficient,’’ added Dr. Sarma.
The scheme is inclusive, covering all girls regardless of their financial background, except for daughters of ministers, MLAs, MPs, and those studying in private colleges.
Applications for the scheme will not require a renewal and must be signed by both parents. Principal or head of the college will also have to sign on the form.
“A married girl will not get the benefit. The only exception will be those married girls who are enrolled in PG courses. They will also benefit,” Dr Sarma clarified.
The scheme also sets certain behavioural and academic standards. Students who are irregular in attendance or involved in activities such as ragging will be disqualified. “Drop out students will be barred from availing the scope of the scheme,” added the Chief Minister.
The Chief Minister said that those who availed of a Scooty on a merit basis after passing the higher secondary exam will not be eligible to avail MMNM scheme. An exception will also be made if the parents of a particular girl student state that they do want their daughter to receive the stipend. “Only one scheme can be availed”, added Dr Sarma.
