Dispur (Assam), 06 August (HS): Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday launched the Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Moina Asoni 2.0, marking the beginning of the statewide distribution of application forms under the scheme. The central function was held at the Birinchi Kumar Barua Auditorium in Gauhati University.
Under the expanded scheme, four lakh girl students pursuing Higher Secondary, Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and B.Ed courses will receive monthly financial assistance — ₹1,000 (HS), ₹1,250 (UG), and ₹2,500 (PG) — during the academic year 2025-26.
Describing Nijut Moina as a beacon of hope for aspiring girl students, the Chief Minister said the scheme aims to bring large-scale social transformation. Unlike the previous version, which was limited to state universities and provincial colleges, Nijut Moina 2.0 will now include Central Universities like Tezpur University and Assam University. Self-financing course students will also be eligible.
Highlighting the government’s commitment, Dr. Sarma announced that the scheme will cover students of HS 1st and 2nd year, UG 1st and 2nd year, and PG 1st and 2nd year this year, while final-year UG students will be brought under the fold next year — ensuring 100% coverage. The target is to eventually reach 10 lakh girl students.
The Chief Minister asserted that Nijut Moina is a tool to eliminate child marriage and empower girls through education. “With the launch of Nijut Moina 2.0, four lakh girls will be protected from the threat of child marriage while being academically empowered. We are committed to reducing child marriage to zero by 2026,” he said.
Dr. Sarma also emphasized that government schemes like Nijut Moina and Orunodoi are benefiting students across all communities. He lauded the growth of higher education institutions in the state, noting that Assam now has 25 universities, nearly 400 colleges, and 25 medical colleges, besides premier institutions like IIT, AIIMS, IIIT, and Sainik Schools.
“The youth of Assam are full of aspirations and actively contributing to nation-building. Girls, in particular, must play a crucial role in building a New Assam,” the CM added.
Application forms distributed today are to be submitted to respective institutions, with data entry to be done via SCERT, Darpan, and Samarth portals.
Education Minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu, Gauhati University VC Prof. Nani Gopal Mahanta, Secretary of School and Higher Education Narayan Konwar, and other dignitaries attended the event. Several ministers, MLAs, principals, and students from across the state also joined the programme virtually.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash
