Assam Government Expands Educational Support with New Schemes and Tech Initiatives
In a significant move to bolster higher education and skill development, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the "Nijut Babu" scheme on Thursday in Guwahati, fulfilling a promise to provide financial assistance to boys from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. This initiative complements the existing "Nijut Moina" scheme for girls, aiming to make education more accessible and affordable across the state.
Details of the Nijut Babu Scheme
Under the "Nijut Babu" scheme, first-year undergraduate and postgraduate students from families with an annual income below Rs 4 lakh will receive monthly financial support. Specifically, undergraduate students will get Rs 1,000 per month for the first 10 months of the academic year, along with free admission, while postgraduate students will receive Rs 2,000 per month. This scheme is expected to benefit 47,395 students initially, helping to prevent dropouts due to financial constraints.
Chief Minister Sarma emphasized that this initiative, along with the "Nijut Moina" scheme, which has already assisted over 2.5 lakh female students, will collectively cover 10 lakh students. He stated, "Together, both schemes will bolster our efforts to promote higher education and develop critical thinking amongst our youth whilst warding off the social evil of child marriage." The goal is to ensure that no student is forced to leave educational institutions because of economic hardships.
Additional Initiatives Launched
At the same event held at the Jyoti-Bishnu International Kala Mandir in Guwahati, the Chief Minister also inaugurated two other key schemes: the 'Mukhyamantrir Jiban Prerana' and 'Jiban Anuprerana' schemes. The 'Mukhyamantrir Jiban Prerana Scheme' is designed to support recent graduates from public institutions in their transition from education to employment. It will provide monthly financial aid of Rs 2,500 for 12 months to 48,319 graduates, helping them prepare for competitive exams or pursue entrepreneurial ventures.
Furthermore, the 'Mukhyamantrir Jiban Anuprerana Scheme' aims to enhance intellectual excellence by offering financial grants to researchers. A total of 2,112 researchers, including 13 differently abled individuals, will benefit from this scheme. General researchers will receive a one-time aid of Rs 25,000, while differently-abled researchers will get Rs 40,000, all through direct benefit transfers.
Technology Centers and Future Plans
In a push towards modernizing education and skill development, Chief Minister Sarma virtually inaugurated 31 'Udyog 4.0' technology centers across Assam. These centers, established in collaboration with Tata Technologies Limited, are located in 17 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and 14 polytechnics. They will offer courses in advanced manufacturing technology, automation, and digital design, with an investment of approximately Rs 3,000 crore from the Assam government and Tata Technologies.
Sarma announced plans to complete 24 more such centers by June, transforming Assam's traditional education system into a more dynamic one. Additionally, a new agreement with Tata NELCO is being finalized to gradually establish these technology centers in high schools and higher secondary schools across the state.
In another development, world-renowned Dassault Aviation company will set up a special center at Assam Engineering College in Guwahati. This center will provide students with knowledge in aeronautic engineering and the maintenance of Rafale aircraft, further enhancing the state's educational infrastructure.
These initiatives reflect the Assam government's commitment to fostering higher education, reducing unemployment, and equipping the youth with world-class skills for a brighter future.
