The Directorate of Higher Education, Government of Assam, has released comprehensive guidelines for the Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Moina Aasoni, a flagship scheme designed to provide financial assistance to girl students across the state. This initiative aims to significantly boost female enrolment in higher education, reduce dropout rates, and empower young women by alleviating financial barriers to their academic pursuits. The scheme, which was relaunched as “Nijut Moina 2.0” on August 6, 2026, by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, is set to benefit over four lakh girl students in the current academic year. It underscores the state government’s commitment to women’s empowerment through education, with a long-term vision to support ten lakh girls from Higher Secondary to postgraduate levels.

What was announced

The Directorate of Higher Education, Assam, recently issued detailed guidelines for the Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Moina Aasoni, formalising the operational framework for the scheme. The announcement follows the ceremonial launch of the “Nijut Moina 2.0” application form distribution by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in Guwahati on August 6, 2026. The scheme, initially announced in the state budget for the financial year 2024-25, was formally rolled out on October 6, 2024. Under the updated guidelines, eligible girl students enrolled in government and provincialised educational institutions will receive monthly financial incentives. The scheme covers students pursuing Higher Secondary, Undergraduate, and Postgraduate courses, and for the first time this year, it has been expanded to include girl students in Polytechnic institutions and those in the seventh semester of integrated postgraduate programmes.

Why it matters

The Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Moina Aasoni is a crucial step towards enhancing the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of girl students in higher education and tackling the persistent issue of school dropout rates in Assam. By providing direct financial assistance, the government aims to reduce the economic burden on families, thereby encouraging girls to continue their studies beyond matriculation. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has repeatedly emphasised that the primary objective of the scheme is to eradicate child marriage by ensuring that financial constraints do not compel parents to marry off their daughters at an early age. The financial support is intended to foster academic commitment and discipline, with eligibility linked to regular attendance and adherence to institutional rules. The scheme’s reach has expanded significantly since its inception. While approximately 1.6 lakh girls benefited in the 2024-25 academic year, the number rose to four lakh in 2025-26. The state government projects an additional one lakh beneficiaries in the current financial year, moving closer to its target of supporting ten lakh girl students across Assam. This sustained financial aid is seen as vital for not just enrolment but also for persistence and completion, which ultimately drives employability outcomes.

Background

The Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Moina Aasoni is part of a broader series of initiatives by the Assam government aimed at women’s empowerment and educational upliftment. Historically, girls’ education in Assam faced significant challenges, including societal norms that prioritised domestic duties and early marriage, as highlighted by the Hunter Commission in 1882 which reported extremely low female school attendance. Over the decades, various reformers and missionary initiatives worked to promote girls’ education. In recent years, the state government has introduced several schemes to incentivise girls’ education. These include the Dr. Banikanta Kakati Merit Award, which provides scooters to meritorious higher secondary girl students, and other grants for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Chief Minister Sarma has consistently articulated his government’s commitment to shoulder the responsibility of educating girl students up to the postgraduate level, reflecting a policy stance of empowering women through financial security, education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship. The Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Moina Aasoni builds on these efforts, consolidating financial support to ensure continuous academic participation and reduce dropout rates. The scheme was initially announced by Assam Finance Minister Ajanta Neog during the presentation of the Annual Budget for the financial year 2024-25, with an allocation of ₹240 crore for the new scheme. It was subsequently relaunched during the budget presentation for 2025-26, indicating its ongoing importance in the state’s welfare agenda. The government also introduced the Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Babu Aasoni for male students, though with comparatively lower assistance, acknowledging that child marriage is predominantly a concern for girls.

Key details

The financial assistance under the Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Moina Aasoni is provided monthly for a maximum period of ten months in an academic year, with no incentives paid during summer vacation or winter break, typically June and July. According to the guidelines issued by the Directorate of Higher Education, the amounts are as follows:
  • Girl students enrolled in Higher Secondary (Class 11 and 12) will receive ₹800 per month.
  • Girl students enrolled in Undergraduate programmes (B.A., B.Sc., B.Com, ITEP) will receive ₹1,250 per month.
  • Girl students enrolled in Postgraduate programmes (M.A., M.Sc., M.Com., B.Ed.) will receive ₹2,500 per month.
  • For girl students in Government Polytechnic Institutions, the incentive is ₹800 per month for the first and second years, and ₹1,250 per month for the third year.
The scheme is applicable to girl students who are domiciled in Assam, irrespective of their economic status. However, certain eligibility restrictions apply:
  • Students enrolled in private educational institutions are not eligible.
  • Married girls are generally not eligible, with an exception for those enrolled in Postgraduate or B.Ed. programmes if married.
  • Girl students who receive a scooter under the Dr. Banikanta Kakati Merit Award (Pragyan Bharati Scheme) are not eligible for the Nijut Moina Scheme, unless they opt out of the scooter. This condition does not apply to postgraduate students.
  • Postgraduate students already availing the Chief Minister’s Jibon Prerana Scheme are not eligible.
  • Daughters of Ministers, Members of Parliament, and Members of Legislative Assembly are also excluded from the scheme.
Beneficiaries are required to maintain discipline, attend classes regularly, and adhere to all rules and regulations set forth by their respective institutions. Any involvement in misconduct, such as cheating, ragging, or vandalism, may lead to the cancellation of benefits. The financial assistance is disbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) directly into the student’s bank account.

Reactions

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, during the launch of the application distribution, reiterated the government’s resolve.

“Nijut Moina and Nijut Babu schemes are built to encourage serious learning and academic commitment. Our goal is for these students to become role models who inspire others to study hard and aim high,” Chief Minister Sarma said. He added, “The primary objective behind launching the Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Moina Scheme is to eradicate child marriage and that this remains the Government’s foremost priority.”

He also assured that the amount of assistance under the Nijut Moina Scheme would be enhanced in the future, as the government seeks to further reduce the financial burden on parents regarding their children’s education.

What’s next

The distribution of application forms for the Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Moina Aasoni commenced on August 6, 2026, with educational institutions across the state facilitating the process. Students who meet the eligibility criteria can collect and submit their forms through their respective colleges and universities. The scheme is expected to benefit a significant number of girls in the current academic year, with the government aiming to add another one lakh beneficiaries. From the academic year 2027-28 onwards, girl students enrolled in Higher Secondary, Undergraduate, and Postgraduate programmes will be eligible to avail either the Fee Waiver Scheme or the Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Moina Aasoni, but not both.

Sources & References