Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday distributed scooters to 11,250 students who secured over 80 per cent marks in the higher secondary examinations this year. Speaking at the distribution ceremony, Sarma said the government has made “small changes” in the implementation of the Dr Banikanta Kakati Merit Award, under which scooters are given to meritorious students.

Due to these changes, the number of beneficiaries fell to 11,250 from 48,673 last year, he said. However, the chief minister added that the Nijut Moina scheme now covers more than five lakh girls.

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