Guwahati : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday rolled out the Prerona scheme, a new government initiative aimed at providing financial and emotional support to Class 10 students appearing for HSLC and CBSE board examinations.

The scheme was officially launched at the Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra in the presence of Education Minister Ranoj Pegu and senior officials of the School Education Department.

Under Prerona, about 4.4 lakh students enrolled in government, provincialised and model schools will receive a monthly stipend of ?300 for four months starting November 2025. The financial assistance will be transferred directly to students’ bank accounts. The benefit is available to all students domiciled in Assam, irrespective of their economic background.

Officials said the scheme is designed to help students meet essential needs such as nutritious food, study materials and books-key requirements that often affect exam preparation, particularly for those from rural or low-income families. The initiative also aims to reduce dropout rates and improve the overall pass percentage in Class 10 board examinations.

Speaking after the launch, Chief Minister Sarma said the government wants to ensure that no child’s education is disrupted due to financial constraints. “The Assam government has launched the Prerona scheme to support Class 10 students across the state.

Under this scheme, four lakh students will receive ?300 per month for four months, directly credited to their bank accounts until they complete their matriculation examinations,” he said.

Sarma noted that many students continue to struggle with the cost of basic necessities. “Many children in Assam cannot afford nutritious food or essential books. Some even find it difficult to pay for private tuitions,” he said. The stipend, he added, would help reassure students that the government stands firmly behind them.

“This financial assistance will instil confidence among students and make them feel supported. They must know that the government will continue to stand by them through initiatives such as free college admissions and schemes like Nijut Moina,” the Chief Minister said.

He stressed the importance of nurturing a positive mindset among young learners, saying financial hardship should not become a source of anxiety or discouragement. “No student should feel demotivated or uncertain about pursuing education because of monetary difficulties. Our aim is to help the boys and girls of Assam focus on their studies without fear or self-doubt,” he added.