Guwahati: Nearly 18,000 meritorious students will receive scooters under the Dr Banikanta Kakati Meritorious Award this year, after which the Assam government will bring the scheme to an end and redirect its budget towards other education-related welfare programmes.
The decision was announced by Finance Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah while presenting the 2026-27 State Budget in the Assembly on Thursday. He said the government intends to utilise the funds to expand support for a wider range of students across the state.
Student assistance programmes Nijut Moina and Nijut Babu will also restart from August, the minister said.
Budget figures show that the schemes have already covered more than 5.44 lakh girl students, with financial assistance amounting to Rs 374 crore released so far.
The government expects around 5.30 lakh students to receive benefits under these initiatives during the present financial year.
Apart from student-focused measures, the Budget restores the Rs 1,500 monthly allowance for 621 Udasin Bhakats associated with satras.
The government has also decided to continue assistance for small and marginal farmers through the Mukhyamantri Krishi Sa-Sajuli Yojana, under which eligible beneficiaries receive Rs 11,000 annually.
Explaining the policy shift, the government said ending the scooter distribution programme would allow resources to be channelled into welfare schemes capable of benefiting a broader section of students across Assam.