Panaji: Chief minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday announced Mukhyamantri Bahujan Utkarsh Yojana to provide education loans of up to Rs 25 lakh at a 4% interest rate to students belonging to OBCs, economically weaker sections and minorities, and persons with disabilities.The loan will be made available to students who want to pursue higher education. Sawant said that the new education loan can be availed through Goa State Scheduled Castes and Other Backward Classes finance and development corporation limited.Sawant said that there was a demand that, like the ST community, students of other communities should get education loans at a lower interest rate.The chief minister said that if a student goes to any public sector bank for an education loan, the bank charges him 8% interest. Similarly, even govt corporations charge an 8% interest to students for an education loan.“Those students who do not qualify for Manohar Parrikar Goa Scholars Scheme and Manohar Parrikar interest free scheme can apply for this new scheme,” Sawant said.He further added, “I am proud to say that 99% students repay the interest-free loan after completing their studies. 100% of students should repay the loan keeping in mind that the same money should be provided to other needy students who want to pursue higher education.”Forms to apply for the new education loan will be made available at the corporation.Sawant said that govt tries to help everyone and that is the reason various schemes have been launched.
