Assam Government launches monetary scheme for girls to prevent child marriage

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched a pioneering government scheme, Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Moina Asoni (MMNMA), to grant financial aid to female students pursuing higher secondary education to postgraduate in government institutions, aiming to eliminate child marriages.

The chief minister stated “The scheme will be universal and those who do not wish to avail of it may voluntarily opt out of it”. This scheme will offer financial assistance for 10 months of the academic year. Students pursuing higher secondary education will be allocated Rs 1,000 per month for 10 months. Similarly for a graduate level student Rs 1,250 and for postgraduate student Rs 2,500 will be given each month for 10 months.  

The scheme’s benefit will be available for first year only, but can be extended if students meet the two conditions: maintaining the required attendance and behavioural standards. The Chief Minister said, “The scheme shall not be applicable to girls already married and pursuing higher secondary school or undergraduate level, nor the daughters of MLA OR MPs. It will also not be applicable to those who receive scooters from the state government for securing a first division at the higher secondary level.

“We see in the National Family Health Survey 2019-21, one thing said is that in Assam 31.8 percent girls became mothers between the ages of 20-24. That means their marriage has to have been done before 18 and that basically, 30 percent women get married between 18 to 21. As a result, they become deprived of nutrition and education and become victims of domestic violence,” chief minister said.

According to the government scheme, girl students who score over 60% marks in their school are eligible for this benefit. This year, approximately 50,000 girls are expected to receive this benefit.