sources: Hindustan Times & Times of India
Nijut Moina 2.0 is Assam’s bold step toward creating a safer and brighter future for young girls by aiming to eliminate child marriage by 2026. Announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, this government scheme provides financial support to school-going girls and encourages families to educate their daughters instead of marrying them off early.
What Is the Nijut Moina 2.0 Scheme?
Launched as an upgraded version of the earlier Nijut Moina program, Nijut Moina 2.0 is designed to support the education of girls and prevent early marriages across Assam. The scheme will initially cover four lakh girls and aims to expand gradually to reach ten lakh girls by its next phase. The key objective is to promote education, delay marriage age, and create long-term awareness in both urban and rural communities.
Monthly Financial Aid to Support Education
Under Nijut Moina 2.0, eligible girls will receive ₹1,000 per month directly in their bank accounts. This amount will help them cover basic education-related expenses like books, tuition, transport, and more. The total assistance over the course of their studies could be as much as ₹12,000 per year. This is a crucial step in ensuring that Assam girls do not drop out of school due to financial issues and can complete their higher secondary and college education.
Eligibility Criteria and Exclusions
To qualify for Nijut Moina 2.0, the girl must be:
- Studying in Class 11 or above (including undergraduate courses)
- Unmarried at the time of enrollment
- Studying in government or government-aided institutions
Girls enrolled in private institutions, who are married, or who do not meet the minimum education requirement will not be eligible for this benefit. This rule is aimed at discouraging early marriage and encouraging continued education.
Strategic Move to Eliminate Early Marriage
The Assam government is using Nijut Moina 2.0 as a part of its larger campaign to end child marriage. CM Sarma stated that the mission is not just about financial aid, but also about changing mindsets. By linking education with empowerment, the government hopes to prevent underage marriages, especially in districts where the practice is still common. The move also complements Assam’s strict crackdown on child marriage in recent years.
Target: 10 Lakh Girls by Phase Expansion
Currently, the program supports four lakh students, but the next goal is to reach ten lakh girls. This expansion will ensure deeper impact and better coverage across all districts. With consistent awareness and financial help, the scheme could drastically reduce the number of child marriages in Assam by 2026.
Inclusive Access Across Institutions
Nijut Moina 2.0 ensures that girls from diverse educational backgrounds—whether in higher secondary schools, colleges, or universities—can benefit. As long as the institutions are government-affiliated, girls will be eligible for the monthly support. This inclusivity ensures that no girl is left behind in the mission.
With its firm goal and clear structure, Nijut Moina 2.0 is not just a government scheme—it’s a movement to protect the rights of Assam girls, support their dreams, and build a future free of child marriage.
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