On Friday, the country’s Finance Minister Jayant Mulla Barua announced the resumption of important welfare schemes including Nijut Maina and Nijut Babu from August this year.
Presenting the state budget for 2026-27, Barua said that a total of 5,44,479 students have benefited under these schemes and financial assistance of Rs 374 crore has already been disbursed. He added that around 5,30,718 students are expected to benefit from these schemes in the current financial year.
Finance Minister Dr. Banikant also made an important announcement about the Kakti Merit Award. About 18,000 students will get scooters this year, he said. However, the scooter distribution program will be discontinued from the next academic year to ensure that educational support is more equitable and comprehensive.
Barua said instead of the funds allocated for distribution of scooters, it will be used to strengthen and expand the Nijut Maina and Nijut Babu schemes so that more deserving students can get financial assistance.
In another announcement, the government will resume monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,500 to 621 apathetic devotees associated with Satra institutions from August.
The finance minister also said that support to farmers would continue under the Chief Minister’s Agricultural Implements Scheme. Under this initiative, eligible small and marginal farmers will get financial assistance of Rs 11,000 per annum in conjunction with the PM-Kisan scheme.