Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday announced that the state has achieved a zero school dropout rate among girls at the higher secondary, undergraduate, and postgraduate levels, a milestone he attributed to the government’s flagship ‘Nijut Moina’ scheme.

Speaking at the Bhogeshwar Baruah Sports Complex, the Chief Minister said the scheme has benefitted 3,50,256 girl students this year, a sharp rise from 1,61,302 beneficiaries recorded last year. He termed the achievement a significant step forward in Assam’s education reforms and a reflection of the government’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted education for girls.

“The Nijut Moina scheme has fulfilled its goal of achieving zero dropouts among girls. It has also played a pivotal role in curbing social evils like child marriage,” Sarma said.

The Chief Minister recalled that in 2021, districts such as Dhubri, Mankachar, and Barpeta had recorded high rates of child marriage. However, with sustained awareness campaigns and strict enforcement, the state has witnessed a dramatic decline in such cases. He noted that around 7,000 individuals were arrested in 2023 during the government’s massive crackdown on child marriage.

Financial Support for Students

Highlighting the government’s continued focus on educational support, Sarma announced that from November 15, all students appearing for matriculation examinations will receive ₹300 per month to purchase books and educational materials.

The Nijut Moina scheme will also be expanded to cover girls in Degree 3rd Year, 5th Semester, and those enrolled in polytechnic and ITI institutes, further widening its scope.

Reaffirming his government’s commitment to women’s empowerment, Sarma announced plans to create one lakh new jobs, with a special emphasis on employment opportunities for women.

Vision of a New Assam

Concluding his address, the Chief Minister called for the creation of a “new Assam” — one where women are “respected, cherished, and empowered.”

He reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance policy toward crimes against women, including polygamy, and assured that stringent legal action would continue against offenders.

“The empowerment of women will define the future of Assam. We will build a society where every girl has the opportunity to learn, grow, and lead,” Sarma said.