Guwahati, Dec 8: The Assam Government held the inaugural ceremony of the scooter distribution programme under the Dr. Banikanta Kakati Merit Award at Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra, with Education Minister Ranoj Pegu joining Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma for the event.
A total of 11,250 students who scored 80% or above in the Higher Secondary Final Examination received scooters this year. The beneficiaries include 6,860 female and 4,390 male students, marking one of the state’s largest merit-based student support initiatives.
Instituted in honour of renowned Assamese linguist and scholar Dr. Banikanta Kakati, the merit award has significantly contributed to promoting academic excellence in Assam. Since its inception in 2017–18, the scheme has benefited 1,85,442 students, with the state government investing ₹1,043 crore to encourage and reward high-performing students.
Minister Ranoj Pegu extended his congratulations to all the awardees and expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for “consistently championing merit and motivating bright young minds through such transformative initiatives.”
Officials stated that the programme continues to serve as a major motivation for students across Assam, helping create a culture of academic achievement and aspiration.
