Guwahati, 26 February (HS): Assam CM Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday formally launched several key welfare and skill development schemes aimed at academic and economic empowerment of meritorious youth and researchers of the state at a programme held at Jyoti-Bishnu International Auditorium.

Under the ‘Mukhya Mantri Jeevan Prerana’ scheme, a total of 48,319 fresh graduates who passed out from government educational institutions will receive a monthly financial assistance of ₹2,500 for 12 months to support their career-building efforts.

In another initiative, ‘Mukhya Mantri Jeevan Anuprerana’, financial assistance will be extended to 13 Divyang beneficiaries and 2,112 research scholars. The beneficiaries will receive one-time grants ranging from ₹25,000 to ₹40,000 to promote research and innovation activities in the state.

To curb dropout rates in higher education, the government has introduced the ‘Mukhya Mantri Nijut Babu’ scheme, under which around 47,395 first-year undergraduate and postgraduate students will be provided monthly financial assistance to ensure continuity in their studies.

Additionally, under the ‘Udyog 4.0’ initiative in collaboration with Tata Technologies, 31 modern technology centres have been virtually inaugurated across 17 ITIs and 14 polytechnic institutes to strengthen technical education and industry-oriented skills among students.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment, the Chief Minister stated that the objective is to transform Assam into a hub of skilled manpower. He said these initiatives will empower the younger generation, promote self-reliance and accelerate the vision of building a “Viksit Assam.”---------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash