• Source:JND
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Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma unveiled the ‘Nijut Moina’ scheme on Wednesday, The scheme will grant monthly stipends to girl students from class 11 to post-graduation in an attempt to prevent child marriages. The initiative, set to span five years, aims to empower about 10 lakh girls to become financially independent.

Under the scheme, all eligible girls will receive a monthly stipend directly into their bank accounts for 10 months each year, excluding the summer vacation months of June and July. The stipend amounts vary by educational level: Rs 1,000 for classes 11 and 12, Rs 1,250 for undergraduate students and Rs 2,500 for postgraduate students. 

This financial support is designed to encourage girls to delay marriage and pursue higher education. "The scheme will increase the gross enrollment ratio of girls substantially," CM Himanta Biswa Sarma asserted while addressing a press conference on Monday.

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The Chief Minister emphasised that the scheme’s primary goal is to increase the gross enrollment ratio of girls, thereby enhancing their prospects for self-reliance. However, married girls will generally be excluded from the scheme, with the exception of those enrolled in postgraduate courses.

The cabinet-approved program is expected to require an investment of Rs 1,500 crore over the next five years. It is inclusive of all girls, irrespective of their financial background, except for daughters of ministers, MLAs, MPs and those attending private colleges.