Guwahati, April 2: Political parties in Assam are intensifying efforts to attract young voters ahead of the Assembly elections, offering initiatives such as fee waivers, stipends, and job pledges. Youth constitute a significant portion of the state’s 2.5 crore electorate, including over six lakh new voters aged 18–19 and 66 lakh in the 20–29 age group.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) highlighted schemes like Nijut Moina, which provides girls from Class 11 to postgraduate level with up to ₹2,500 monthly since 2024 to address child marriage and school dropouts, and Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Babu Asoni, launched in January for boys in first-year undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Other initiatives include Jibon Prerena, offering ₹25,000 annually to fresh graduates, one-time stipends under Jibon Anuprerna for researchers, and entrepreneurship programs such as the Chief Minister’s Atmanirbhar Asom Abhiyan (CMAAA) and Swami Vivekananda Assam Youth Empowerment (SVAYEM).
Gauhati University assistant professor Karavi Barman said these measures help remove economic barriers for students, potentially strengthening BJP’s appeal. ABVP state secretary Manash Pratim Kalita added that the programs particularly benefit economically weaker students, enabling them to pursue higher education without burdening their families.
Opposition leaders criticized the schemes as short-term measures. SFI joint secretary Utpola Das urged merit-based scholarships and structural reforms rather than “passive beneficiaries,” while state secretary Rajdeep Mahanta pointed to limited government colleges, increased self-financed courses post-NEP 2020, and rising fees in autonomous institutions.
Ahead of polling, BJP has promised to expand its schemes, while Congress has focused on in-state job opportunities. Experts have highlighted the importance of preparing youth for evolving employment markets through public coaching for competitive exams and sustainable employment opportunities.
Polling for Assam’s 126 Assembly seats is scheduled for April 9, with results expected on May 4.
