What’s Behind the Government Giving Priority to Girl Students in Assam?

In a landmark initiative to recognize meritorious students and strengthen public service employment, the Assam government on Monday organized a massive distribution ceremony at the Srimanta Sankaradeva International Auditorium of Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma presided over the event as the chief guest, alongside ministers, senior officials, and legislators representing the tea community.

Under the Dr. Banikanta Kakati Merit Award Scheme, a total of 11,250 scooters were distributed to students who scored 80 percent or above in the 2025 Higher Secondary Final Examinations, including 6,860 female students and 4,390 male students.

Chief Minister Sarma urged students to obtain driving licenses before operating the scooters and emphasized the importance of wearing helmets for safety. He highlighted that last year nearly 40,000 students received scooters, while this year, the number of scooter beneficiaries has slightly decreased, as the government is placing greater emphasis on the Mukhyamantri Nijut Moina Scheme, which provides targeted support to girl students. Under this scheme, approximately five lakh students have benefitted so far.

The Chief Minister noted that merit-based appointments are being implemented with transparency and inclusivity. Special provisions have been made for the tea community, including an additional 3 percent reservation in various appointment categories. For teachers and educational staff, as well as third and fourth-grade appointments, 3 percent extra seats are reserved for tea community candidates. Similarly, first and second-grade appointments (ACS, APS) include additional 3 percent reservation for tea community applicants.

He emphasized that appointees will act as brand ambassadors of the government, and those in police or other uniformed services should demonstrate the government’s commitment by adhering to high standards. The Chief Minister called upon all employees to be responsible toward society and their families while performing their duties.

The government has expedited infrastructure development in tea garden areas, including school construction, hospital establishment, and road repairs. In the medical education sector, the state has increased reservation, allowing 4 students per seat this year instead of the previous 3, thereby enhancing opportunities for aspiring doctors.

At the event, 664 newly regularized municipal employees from 71 municipalities, along with 8 assistant directors from urban and rural planning offices, received their permanent appointment letters. Chief Minister Sarma distributed the letters personally. The ceremony was attended by Housing and Urban Development Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah, DGP Harmeet Singh, and several tea community legislators.

Addressing past challenges in municipal governance, the Chief Minister noted that municipal boards and corporations were previously not fully under government control, creating administrative obstacles. Legislative amendments passed in the recent Assembly session have now enabled the government to provide full employment with benefits, including pay, pension under UPS or NPS schemes, housing support, and healthcare under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). Employees will also receive compensation for accidents and have access to transfer facilities via the government portal.

CM Sarma highlighted Assam’s ambitious goals in education and infrastructure. Previously, only students with financial means could pursue medical education, with only three medical colleges in the state. The government now targets 5,000 students by 2030 to pursue medical studies and has established 27 medical colleges and nearly 30 engineering institutes. Plans are underway for a Google Data Center, a hydrogen plant near Numaligarh refinery, and an elevated corridor over Kaziranga National Park starting next year.

The Chief Minister also shared a personal encounter with visually impaired cricketer Simu Das, praising his confidence and determination. He stressed that positive thinking nurtures self-confidence, which unlocks potential.

Regarding merit awards, CM Sarma shared that 1,86,442 students have received the Dr. Banikanta Kakati Merit Award so far. He called upon students to remain disciplined, responsible, and self-motivated.

The Chief Minister concluded by reiterating that all government initiatives—from scholarships and scooters to appointments—are merit-based, transparent, and inclusive, and that the state government is committed to providing opportunities and support to deserving candidates across Assam.

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