Archive · 20 May 2025
Assam Students Protest Scooter Eligibility Change
In Sivasagar, Assam, female students are protesting the government's decision to increase the minimum marks required for free scooters.
Previously, girls needed 60% in their exams to qualify, but now they need 80%, the same as boys.
The students argue that the higher requirement will prevent many deserving girls, especially those from rural areas, from getting scooters that are vital for their education and mobility.
The students feel this change undermines the original goal of the scheme, which was to support and encourage girls' education.
Woman students in Sivasagar protested against Assam govt's decision.
The protest was against the change in eligibility criteria for free scooters.
Previously, woman students needed 60% to qualify for free scooters.
Starting 2025, the eligibility for all students is set at 80%.
Students argue the change demotivates and excludes many deserving students.
- Who
- Woman students and guardians in Sivasagar.
- What
- Protests against the Assam government's decision to raise the eligibility criteria for free scooters under the Pragyan Bharati Scheme.
- When
- On Monday, protesting the policy change announced for implementation in 2025.
- Where
- Sivasagar, Assam.
- Why
- Students are protesting the government's decision to raise the eligibility criteria for free scooters, arguing it will exclude many deserving students.
Protesting Students' Perspective
Government's Stance
Eligibility Criteria
Protesting Students' Perspective
Restore 60% for girls.
Government's Stance
Standardized at 80% for all students.
Impact on Education
Protesting Students' Perspective
Raising the cutoff will exclude many deserving students, especially those from rural areas.
Government's Stance
The new policy promotes academic excellence.
- Location of Protest
- Sivasagar, Assam
- Protestors
- Woman students
- Original Eligibility (Girls)
- 60%
- New Eligibility (All)
- 80%
- Scheme Name
- Dr Banikanta Kakati Merit Award (Pragyan Bharati Scheme)
- Primary Incentive
- Free Scooters
- Launch Year
- 2020