Assam CM distributes scooters to 11,250 students who scored over 80% in higher secondary exams

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday distributed scooters to 11,250 Higher Secondary students who scored more than 80% marks in this year’s examinations. The initiative is part of the Dr. Banikanta Kakati Merit Award, which rewards academic excellence among school students.

Speaking at the ceremony, Sarma said the government has made a few “minor adjustments” to the award’s rules, which led to a significant drop in the number of beneficiaries from 48,673 last year to 11,250 this year.

Despite this reduction, he highlighted that the Nijut Moina scheme now supports over five lakh girls, and a new scheme for boys similar in intent wll be



rolled out on January 1 to encourage better academic performance.

Among the recipients this year, 6,860 are girls and the remaining students are boys. Sarma shared that since 2017–18, the state has distributed scooters to 1,86,442 students, spending more than Rs 1,043 crore under the merit award initiative.

The chief minister also advised students to strictly follow two key road safety rules—never ride without a valid driving licence and always wear a helmet. Urging students to stay positive, he warned that negative thinking often pushes young people towards self-doubt and harmful influences, whereas a positive mindset builds confidence and clarity.