Current Affairs: Passage of the Day - 9 October 2024 | Current Affairs & General Knowledge - CLAT PDF Download

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
Taking his government’s war against child marriage to a decisive phase, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma initiated the process of disbursing monthly financial assistance under the Nijut Moina scheme across the state. He presented cheques to girl students from Kamrup (M), Kamrup, and Morigaon districts at a function held in Khanapara.
Sarma launched the Nijut Moina scheme, a monthly financial assistance initiative, on August 8, 2024. The scheme aims to encourage girl students to pursue higher studies and combat child marriage. As part of the initiative, monthly financial assistance will be provided to girl students from HS to PG levels in government and government-aided educational institutions. Financial support will be given for 10 months in an academic year.
A student in HS first year will be entitled to Rs. 10,000, which amounts to Rs. 1,000 every month for 10 months. A graduate-level student will receive Rs. 12,500, or Rs. 1,250 every month, while a PG-level student will be entitled to Rs. 25,000, which equals Rs. 2,500 every month for 10 months in a year. Over the next three years, the state government aims to incorporate 10 lakh students under the scheme. An elaborate program has been organized in all Legislative Assembly Constituencies across the state to present cheques. Chief Minister Sarma distributed cheques to 24,384 eligible girl students from Kamrup (M), Kamrup, and Morigaon districts.
Chief Minister Sarma termed October 6 a historic day for girls' education, stating that while girls’ education in the state began as far back as 1935, it has received renewed momentum through the Nijut Moina scheme.
He also remarked, “On the auspicious occasion of Navratri, our campaign against child marriage has entered a decisive phase as we begin disbursing monthly financial assistance under Nijut Moina. On the 11th of every month, our daughters will receive fixed payments to support their education in colleges and universities.”
The Chief Minister further stated that launched on August 8, 2024, this initiative will be a game changer in the fight against child marriage. He explained that Nijut Moina incentivizes positive social outcomes, funds higher education, reduces family expenses, and helps prevent child marriage by encouraging girls to continue their studies.
Sarma noted that Nijut Moina is expected to cover 10 lakh students with an outlay of Rs. 1,500 crore. In the first year, over 1.6 lakh girls will benefit from Rs. 240 crore. To qualify for the Nijut Moina scheme, a girl student must be regular in her classes, disciplined, and perform well academically. She must remain unmarried until the PG level, and daughters of Ministers, MPs, and MLAs will not be eligible for this scheme.
Addressing the issues that lead to the discontinuation of studies among some students, Chief Minister Sarma highlighted initiatives like distributing bicycles to Class IX students, providing free enrollment for girls from Class XI to Post Graduate levels, offering free textbooks for Class IX and X students, and awarding scooters to girl students for their excellent results in Higher Secondary. The state government has been striving to support students and incentivize their education.
Sarma pointed out that overwhelming evidence of past efforts has guided the government in its current direction. He stated that studies have demonstrated how Assam’s crackdown on child marriage has reduced maternal and infant mortality rates. With the launch of Nijut Moina, this social evil (child marriage) has received its final nail in the coffin. He also elaborated on his plans to eradicate child marriage by 2026.
[Excerpt from ET "Assam Launches Nijut Moina Scheme" Dated 09/10/24]

Q1: What is the main aim of the ‘Nijut Moina’ scheme launched by the Assam government?
(a) To increase government jobs for women
(b) To provide free food for schoolchildren
(c) To fight against child marriage
(d) To support boys’ education

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Q2: How much monthly stipend is provided to girls pursuing postgraduate studies under the ‘Nijut Moina’ scheme?
(a) Rs 1,000
(b) Rs 1,250
(c) Rs 1,500
(d) Rs 2,500

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Q3: What are the two main conditions for receiving the stipends under the ‘Nijut Moina’ scheme?
(a) Good grades and early marriage
(b) Regular attendance and a pledge to delay marriage
(c) Regular attendance and government service
(d) Financial need and parental approval

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Q4: Who is not eligible to benefit from the ‘Nijut Moina’ scheme?
(a) Girls in Class 12
(b) Daughters of government officials
(c) Girls pursuing a degree
(d) Girls in rural areas

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Q5: How many girl students does the Assam government aim to support through the ‘Nijut Moina’ scheme?
(a) 5 lakh
(b) 8 lakh
(c) 10 lakh
(d) 15 lakh

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