The Assam government has released ₹58.59 crore as the first October instalment under the Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Moina and Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Babu schemes, benefiting 5.42 lakh students.

More About the News

• The Chief Minister also announced that four more universities would be covered from next year and that female students pursuing nursing courses would be included under Nijut Moina.
• The two schemes i.e. Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Moina & Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Babu schemes aim to reduce financial barriers to higher education and encourage students to continue their studies.
  • Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Moina Scheme: Under the first October instalment, 4,39,598 girls will receive assistance amounting to ₹48.22 crore.
  • Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Babu Scheme: Under the first October instalment, 1,02,501 students will receive ₹10.37 crore.
• Together, the schemes cover 5,42,099 students, reflecting the state’s efforts to make higher education more accessible.

About Nijut Moina Asoni (Mukhya Mantri Nijut Moina Scheme)

Objectives

The main objectives of Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Moina Scheme are as follows: 

• To increase enrollment of girl students in Higher Education. 
• To increase the percentage of girls educated beyond matriculation in Assam. 
• To reduce dropouts among girl students. 
• To increase the overall GER of the State. 
• To eliminate the social evil of child marriage.

Entitlements (per month; max 10 months/academic year)

• Class XI–XII: ₹1,000
• Integrated teacher education & undergraduate courses: ₹1,250
• Post-graduate courses: ₹2,500
• Payment mode: Cheques issued at the 2.0 launch; DBT from next month onward.
• No incentive, paid during summer vacation or any such vacation for more than one month.
• For academic session 2024-25, benefits can be availed for only 1 month.
• Scheme, not effective during the months of June and July every year.

Eligibility (inferred scheme design cues)

• Girl students enrolled in Class XI–XII / UG / PG / Integrated teacher education in recognized institutions in Assam.
• Likely Aadhaar-seeded bank account & active enrollment/attendance; zero-dropout condition used as performance signal.

Exclusions

The following categories of students are excluded:

• Married girls, except those admitted to postgraduate (PG) and Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) courses are not eligible.​
• Girls who are in service and admitted to B.Ed. courses on deputation are excluded.​
• Daughters of Ministers, Members of Parliament (MPs), and Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) are ineligible for benefits.​
• Girl students who receive scooters as part of the Banikanta Kakati Award under Pragyar Bharati Scheme.
• Girl students who do not attend regularly or are involved in undesirable activities like ragging will be excluded.​

About Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Babu Asoni

• • Monthly financial assistance for Graduate and Post Graduate male students.
  • First-year undergraduate Students– ₹ 1,000 per month for 10 months (₹ 10,000/- assistance per academic year).
  • First-year postgraduate Students– ₹  2,000 per month for 10 months. (₹  20,000/- assistance per academic year).
  • Transfer of assistance amount directly to the student’s bank account.

• Eligibility Requirements:

• • Permanent residents of Assam.
  • Applicants must currently be in the 1st year of an UG or PG regular course within Assam.
  • Enrollment of students should be in a  Government or Provincialised Education Institute.
  • A student’s annual family income must not exceed Rs. 4 lakh.
  • UG students who enjoy benefits from the Chief Minister Jibon Prerana Scheme cannot submit an application.
  • PG students who receive the Banikanta Kakati Merit Award Scheme are not eligible.
  • Married male students do not qualify.

Expansion of Scheme Coverage

• The government has announced that students of Srimanta Sankardeva University, Auniati University, Krishnaguru Adhyatmik University and Pragjyotishpur University will be brought under both schemes from next year.
• Another important expansion is the inclusion of female students pursuing Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery (ANM), General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM), and BSc Nursing courses under Nijut Moina. 
• The government has also indicated that it may consider increasing the financial assistance in the future.

Education as a Tool Against Child Marriage

• Nijut Moina is part of Assam’s broader effort to address child marriage. 
• While enforcement and legal action are important, financial support can help families overcome the costs associated with continuing their daughters’ education.
• The Chief Minister cited concerns about early marriage and motherhood in districts such as Dhubri and South Salmara. 
• He also reported that the state’s campaign against child marriage had resulted in more than 10,000 arrests.
• The government has attributed improvements in girls’ enrolment and retention to the scheme. 

Significance and Challenges

• Promoting gender equality: Financial assistance can help girls continue their education and improve their long-term economic independence.
• Reducing educational inequality: Support for students from economically weaker households can reduce the financial burden on families.
• Preventing child marriage: Keeping girls in education can strengthen their ability to delay marriage and make informed life choices.
• Expanding access to professional education: Including nursing courses can support female participation in healthcare education and the workforce.

However, financial assistance alone cannot address every barrier. Safe transport, adequate educational infrastructure, hostel facilities, awareness among parents and quality teaching remain important. Transparent beneficiary selection and regular monitoring are also essential to ensure that assistance reaches eligible students.

Exam Hook: Key Takeaway

The Nijut Moina and Nijut Babu schemes illustrate how targeted financial assistance can connect education policy with gender equality, social justice and human development in Assam.

Prelims Practice Question

Which of the following is an objective of Assam’s Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Moina Scheme?

(a) Providing financial assistance to girl students to encourage continuation of education
(b) Providing crop insurance to women farmers
(c) Offering financial assistance exclusively to postgraduate research scholars
(d) Providing pensions to retired teachers

Answer: (a)

One-line Wrap: By expanding student coverage and including nursing courses, Assam is seeking to use education as an instrument of social empowerment and economic opportunity.