Assam CM distributes scooters to over 11,000 meritorious higher secondary students

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma distributed scooters to 11,250 high-achieving students for scoring above 80% in higher secondary exams, noting tweaks to the Dr Banikanta Kakati Merit Award that reduced recipients from 48,673 last year.

While the change narrowed the merit list, Sarma pointed out that the Nijut Moina program now reaches over five lakh girls, with 6,860 of this year's scooter winners being female.

The chief minister announced a new initiative modeled on Nijut Moina, launching Jan 1, to motivate boys academically and foster a robust learning culture across the state.

Since 2017-18, the government has awarded scooters to 186,442 students under the scheme, investing more than ₹1,043 crore.

Sarma stressed road safety with two key rules for recipients: avoid riding without a license and always wear a helmet.

He encouraged positive thinking, warning that negativity can lead students astray into crime, while optimism builds confidence.

The state has advanced notably in education and healthcare, now boasting over 25 medical colleges, 15 operational and 10 in progress, with seats rising from 2,000 to a projected 5,000 by 2030.

Assam also features two central universities, 25-26 state universities either running or building, and about 30 engineering colleges, including IIT Guwahati and NIT Silchar, eliminating the need for students to seek studies elsewhere, like in Pune.