Guwahati, 12th June: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has unveiled a significant infrastructure investment, allocating Rs 800 crore for the construction of 800 roads in tea garden areas. Each tea garden will receive Rs 1 crore this year, underlining the state government’s commitment to improving infrastructure in these regions.
The announcement came during a cabinet meeting where the funds were sanctioned, with an emphasis on maintaining this annual enhancement of tea garden roads.
In a parallel effort, CM Sarma announced the modernization and renovation of 500 Assamese medium schools. As part of his Independence Day pledge, the government has been constructing 126 schools each year, investing Rs 7.5-8 crore per school. Currently, 252 schools are under renovation, and with the new sanction for 126 more, the total will reach 326. The target to modernize 500 schools is expected to be met by next year, providing updated infrastructure to existing educational institutions.
Additionally, the Chief Minister introduced the ‘Nijut Moina’ educational scheme aimed at reducing early marriages and promoting higher education among girls. Under this scheme, girl students in classes 11 and 12 will receive a monthly stipend of Rs 1000, those pursuing graduation will get Rs 1250, and postgraduate students will receive Rs 2500. The stipends will be transferred on the 11th of every month to ease financial burdens and encourage continued education.
The ‘Nijut Moina’ initiative is expected to boost enrollment in higher education, building on the success of a previous scheme that provided scooters to girls achieving first division, which significantly improved academic performance.
The scheme is projected to require an annual budget of approximately Rs 300-350 crore, potentially rising to Rs 1500 crore as more students benefit from the program.