Mukhya Mantri Nijut Babu Asoni is a new student welfare initiative. The Chief Minister of Assam announced the scheme to support male students from economically weaker sections. Starting from 1st February 2026, the scheme aims to reduce financial stress on students and encourage them to continue higher education.
In simple terms, the Mukhya Mantri Nijut Babu Asoni provides monthly financial assistance to eligible undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) male students enrolled in government and provincialized institutes in Assam. Many students drop out of college due to financial constraints, especially after school education. Therefore, this scheme focuses on education support combined with social welfare. Therefore, this scheme will ensure that financial hardship does not become a barrier to academic progress.
For aspirants preparing for UPSC, APSC, and other competitive examinations, understanding such schemes is important. Questions related to state welfare schemes, education policies, and social justice initiatives are frequently asked in Prelims, Mains, and interviews. Hence, the Mukhya Mantri Nijut Babu Asoni is highly relevant from an exam-oriented perspective.
What is the Mukhya Mantri Nijut Babu Asoni?
The Mukhya Mantri Nijut Babu Asoni, popularly known as ‘Babu Asoni’ is a monthly stipend-based welfare programme of the Assam Government. It is designed to provide direct financial support to male students pursuing higher education.
The scheme operates through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). This financial assistance will be given for 10 months in an academic year. The scheme will be implemented during the 2025-26 academic year. Students of private institutes, self-finance courses, or distance education programmes will not get the benefits. It will ensure transparency and timely payment directly into the beneficiary’s bank account.
What are the Key Features of Mukhya Mantri Nijut Babu Asoni Scheme?
- The Government of Assam will launch the Mukhya Mantri Nijut Babu Asoni on 1st February, 2026.
- Type of Scheme:
- Education support and Social welfare scheme
- Monthly stipend through DBT
- Students receiving benefits under the Banikanta Kakati Merit Award and postgraduate students receiving benefits under the Chief Minister’s Jibon Prerana scheme will not be eligible.
- Beneficiaries will also be required to maintain regular attendance, academic discipline and adhere to institutional conduct rules, failing which the incentive may be withdrawn.
- No incentive will be paid during summer vacations or any break exceeding one month.
Who are the Beneficiaries of Mukhya Mantri Nijut Babu Asoni?
- Male students of 1st year Undergraduation and Postgraduation courses pursuing in the government and provincialized institutes of Assam.
- Students belonging to families with annual income below ₹4 lakh.
What is the Financial Assistance Provided under the Mukhya Mantri Nijut Babu Asoni?
- For the Undergraduate male students, the government will provide ₹1,000 per month.
- On the other hand, for the Postgraduate male students, the government will provide ₹2,000 per month.
What are the Objectives of the Mukhya Mantri Nijut Babu Asoni Scheme?
The scheme aims to reduce dropout rates among male students from low-income families. Moreover, it seeks to promote equal access to higher education, especially for students facing financial challenges.
Other key objectives include:
- Supporting students during critical academic years and reducing dropouts among the male students.
- Reducing dependency on part-time or unskilled work.
- Encouraging continuation into higher studies.
- Strengthening human capital in Assam.
- Increase the enrolment of male students from economically weaker sections. It will increase Assam’s overall Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in line with the goals of National Education Policy, 2020.
Who is eligible for Mukhya Mantri Nijut Babu Asoni?
To be eligible for the Mukhya Mantri Nijut Babu Asoni, applicants must meet the following conditions.
- First of all, the applicant must be a male student studying in the first year of Undergraduate (UG) or Postgraduate (PG) courses.
- In addition, the student must be a permanent resident (domicile) of Assam and belong to a family with an annual income of less than ₹4 lakh.
- Moreover, the student must be a regular student enrolled in a government or provincialized educational institution.
- For under-graduate students, those who are married or have applied for the Banikanta Kakati Merit Award (Scooter Scheme) are not eligible.
- Similarly, post-graduate students who are already availing benefits under the CM’s Jibon Prerana Scheme are not eligible.
- Finally, all selected beneficiaries must follow institutional rules, including maintaining regular attendance, good academic conduct, and respectful behaviour towards teachers, staff, and fellow students. Any violation may lead to withdrawal of the scheme benefits.
These eligibility conditions ensure that the scheme supports deserving and disciplined students while promoting responsible academic behaviour.
Why is the Babu Asoni Scheme Important for Assam?
The Mukhya Mantri Nijut Babu Asoni is important for Assam. It supports students, families, and the state’s long-term development in a balanced manner.
- Educational Significance:
To begin with, the scheme helps students continue their studies without financial pressure. As a result, students can focus better on academics instead of worrying about daily expenses. Moreover, it encourages the timely completion of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Consequently, higher education enrolment in Assam is expected to improve.
- Social Welfare Impact:
In addition, the scheme provides direct support to families from economically weaker sections. By doing so, it promotes social equity and ensures that financial background does not limit access to education. Furthermore, it works alongside existing student welfare schemes. Therefore, it will strengthen the overall education support system in the state.
- Economic and Long-Term Impact:
Over time, the scheme helps in building a more educated and skilled workforce. This, in turn, improves the employability of young people in Assam. Ultimately, such initiatives contribute to the state’s long-term socio-economic growth and sustainable development.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Babu Asoni Scheme is a well-targeted initiative that combines education support with social welfare. By providing monthly financial assistance to male students from economically weaker sections, the Assam Government aims to strengthen higher education outcomes and reduce inequality.
Prelims Practice MCQ:
Q. Which of the following categories of students is/are NOT eligible for benefits under the Mukhya Mantri Nijut Babu Asoni?
- Undergraduate students who have applied for the Banikanta Kakati Merit Award.
- Postgraduate students availing the CM’s Jibon Prerana Scheme.
- Male students enrolled in provincialized colleges.
- Students pursuing distance education programmes.
Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Correct Answer: (b)
Mains Practice Question:
“Targeted student welfare schemes play a crucial role in reducing dropout rates and improving higher education outcomes.” In this context, critically examine the Mukhya Mantri Nijut Babu Asoni of Assam. Discuss its objectives, key features, and potential impact on higher education and social equity in the state.
Sources:
The Mukhya Mantri Nijut Babu Asoni Scheme is an Assam Government student welfare initiative. It provides monthly financial assistance to eligible male UG and PG students from economically weaker families to support higher education.
Male students who are first-year UG or PG students, domiciled in Assam, enrolled in government or provincialized institutions, and whose family income is below ₹4 lakh per year can apply for the scheme.
Under the Mukhya Mantri Nijut Babu Asoni, eligible students will receive ₹1,000 per month for Undergraduate (UG) courses. On the other hand, ₹2,000 per month for Postgraduate (PG) courses. This amount is transferred through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
The scheme will be implemented from 1st February 2026 for the 2025-26 academic session. It will provide financial support for 10 months in an academic year.
The scheme helps reduce dropout rates, supports students from low-income families. Furthermore, it will help to improve higher education enrolment, and strengthens Assam’s human capital in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
