(Info) Education Loan Scheme for Indian Students

Educational Loan Scheme Introduction

Education is central to the Human Resources Development and empowerment in any country. National and State level policies are framed to ensure that this basic need of the population is met through appropriate public and private sector initiatives. While government endeavour to provide primary education to all on a universal basis, higher education is progressively moving into the domain of private sector. With a gradual reduction in government subsidies higher education is getting more and more costly and hence the need for institutional funding in this area.

The scope of education has widened both in India and abroad covering new courses in diversified areas. Development of human capital is a national priority and it should be the endeavour of all that no deserving student is denied opportunity to pursue higher education for want of financial support. Loans for education should be seen as an investment for economic development and prosperity. Knowledge and information would be the driving force for economic growth in the coming years.

Based on recommendations made by a Study Group, IBA had prepared a Model Educational Loan Scheme in the year 2001 which was advised to banks for implementation by Reserve Bank of India vide circular No.RPCD.PLNFS.BC.NO.83/06.12.05/2000-01 dated April 28, 2001 along with certain modifications suggested by the Government of India. In line with the announcement made by the Hon'ble Finance Minister in his Budget Speech for the year 2004-05, IBA had communicated certain changes in the security norms applicable to educational loans with limits above Rs.4 lakhs and up to Rs. 7.5 lakhs.

We have been receiving enquiries from members seeking clarifications on the various provisions of the scheme based on feedback received from the branches. With a view to ensure that the scheme is implemented in letter and spirit, it was decided to review the scheme and make modifications in the scheme to facilitate smooth operation at bank branches. Towards this, a Working Group of General Managers drawn from select banks was constituted at IBA. This revised model scheme has been prepared based on the suggestions made by the Group.

2. OBJECTIVES OF THE SCHEME :

The Educational Loan Scheme outlined below aims at providing financial support from the banking system to deserving/ meritorious students for pursuing higher education in India and abroad. The main emphasis is that every meritorious student though poor is provided with an opportunity to pursue education with the financial support from the banking system with affordable terms and conditions. No deserving student is denied an opportunity to pursue higher education for want of financial support.

3. APPLICABILITY OF THE SCHEME:

The scheme detailed below could be adopted by all Commercial Banks. The scheme provides broad guidelines to the banks for operationalising the educational loan scheme and the implementing bank will have the discretion to make changes suiting to the convenience of the students/ parents to make it more customer friendly.