Scheme Overview
Assam Expands Nijut Moina 2.0 Scheme for Girl Child Empowerment: The Assam government has launched the second phase of the Nijut Moina initiative to combat child marriage and promote girls’ education. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma unveiled the expanded scheme, targeting over 4 lakh girls across the state.
Static GK fact: Assam became the first state in India to introduce a dedicated financial assistance scheme specifically linked to child marriage prevention in 2023.
Financial Support Structure
Under Nijut Moina 2.0, eligible students receive monthly financial aid between ₹1,000 and ₹2,500. The amount varies according to their education level—higher secondary, undergraduate, or postgraduate. This funding aims to remove economic barriers that can force girls into early marriages.
Eligibility and Restrictions
The scheme is open to all girl students regardless of economic status. However, certain exclusions apply. Married girls are ineligible except for select PG and B.Ed students. Daughters of ministers, MPs, and MLAs are excluded, as are recipients of scooter awards under another state scheme, unless they opt out.
Static GK Tip: Assam has 35 districts, with the highest female literacy rate recorded in Kamrup Metropolitan district.
Inclusive Education Drive
The state government ensures universal free admission to schools and colleges, benefiting all students regardless of caste, religion, tribe, or gender. This complements the scheme’s financial aid, ensuring girls can pursue uninterrupted education.
Impact on Social Change
By targeting early marriage prevention, Assam addresses a root cause of gender inequality. The initiative helps develop an educated, self-reliant female population capable of contributing to nation-building. Expanding its coverage demonstrates the government’s long-term vision for social reform.
Static GK fact: The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 sets the legal marriage age for women at 18 in India.
National and State Context
Assam’s initiative aligns with India’s larger commitment to eliminate child marriage by 2030 as part of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. By advancing this deadline to 2026, Assam positions itself as a pioneer in child welfare policy.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Assam Expands Nijut Moina 2.0 Scheme for Girl Child Empowerment:
| Fact | Detail |
| Launch date of Nijut Moina 2.0 | August 7, 2025 |
| Scheme objective | Prevent child marriage and promote girls’ education |
| Target beneficiaries | Over 4 lakh girls in Assam |
| Monthly financial assistance range | ₹1,000 to ₹2,500 |
| Education levels covered | Higher secondary, undergraduate, postgraduate |
| Key exclusions | Married girls (with exceptions), daughters of ministers/MPs/MLAs, scooter award recipients |
| State education policy | Universal free admission in schools and colleges |
| Legal marriage age for women in India | 18 years |
| Assam CM | Himanta Biswa Sarma |
| Relevant national policy | UN SDG target to end child marriage by 2030 |
