Directorate of Information & Publicity
Government of NCT of Delhi

Directorate of Information & Publicity
Govt. of NCT of Delhi
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New Delhi: 20/06/2016

• Delhi Government launches online application portal for Higher Education and Skill Development Guarantee scheme

Delhi Chief Minister Mr. Arvind Kejriwal on Monday (June 20) inaugurated an online application portal to facilitate loans to students who wish to pursue higher studies in Delhi after graduating from Class 12.

Conceived and developed by the Delhi Directorate of Higher Education, the Higher Education and Skill Development Guarantee Scheme is a first of its kind initiative in India. It will serve as a huge encouragement to students who are otherwise unable to pursue education due to lack of financial means.

Under this innovative scheme, bank loans taken by the students will provide a guarantee through a Higher Education and Skill Development Credit Guarantee Fund created by the Government. Students will not be required to furnish any collaterals or margin money and the scheme will be universal in nature regardless of the student’s background.

Speaking the ocassion, Deputy Chief Minister and Education Minister Mr. Manish Sisodia said, “Though the scheme was launched last year, we felt that it should be made online for the convenience of students and for better transparency. With this portal students can apply online for loans which the participating banks will be obliged to provide. I believe this will transform education, enabling thousands of eligible students to pursue their studies and attain their career goals. We wish to encourage learning and are confident that such initiatives will break all the barriers and help students overcome higher learning of their choice.”

Chief Minister Mr. Arvind Kejriwal in his address said that the launch of the portal was the fulfillment of a promise made by his government that no student in Delhi should be denied the opportunity for quality education due to lack of resources.

“We are improving the quality of education in the government schools, with better infrastructure, facilities and training for teachers. In three years’ time, parents in Delhi will be proud to say that their children study in government schools.”

He added: “With this initiative once a loan has been applied, no bank can deny the loan. The payment terms are very liberal and I now encourage students to avail this opportunity at the earliest. We want to inculcate a feeling among aspiring students that they can educate themselves without the burden of lack of financial resources.”

Mr. Kejriwal congratulated the Dy CM and his team in the Ministry of Education for this commendable initiative. Delhi Chief Secretary Mr. K K Sharma was also present on the occasion.

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