Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday launched the Prerona scheme, under which students appearing for the Class 10 board examinations will receive a monthly stipend of Rs 300 until their exams conclude. The amount has already been credited for the current month, officials said.
Speaking at the launch, Sarma said the initiative aims to ensure that no examinee is deprived of basic requirements during the crucial exam phase. “Many students appearing for the matriculation examinations come from poor backgrounds and lack the basic amenities like books, notebooks, stationery and even a cup of milk. This scheme will ensure that they are not deprived of the basics and are able to appear for the examination in the right frame of mind,” he said.
The CM added that the government was “investing in the bright future of each child”, noting that schemes for free college admissions are already in place for girl students.
According to the government, Prerona will cover around 4.4 lakh students and is designed to boost confidence, reduce stress and curb dropout rates, particularly among poor and rural households.
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The scheme is open to all High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) candidates under the Assam State School Education Board (ASSEB), as well as Class 10 CBSE examinees studying in Adarsha Vidyalayas who are domiciled in Assam, regardless of economic background.
Sarma urged students to remain focused and not be discouraged by financial difficulties. “We are there to take care of the financial part, you just study sincerely and appear for the examination with a positive attitude,” he said.
The government expects the scheme to contribute to higher pass percentages and increased enrolment in government and provincialised schools.
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