Chhattisgarh offers zero-interest education loans to students from Maoist-hit areas

RAIPUR: The Chhattisgarh government has introduced interest-free education loans for students pursuing higher studies in Maoist-affected districts, with the aim of enhancing educational opportunities in these areas.
The initiative is part of the 'Chief Minister’s Higher Education Loan Interest Subsidy Scheme,' which aims to provide financial relief to students pursuing technical and vocational courses.
Students from Maoist-affected districts of Bastar, Bijapur, Dantewada, Jashpur, Kanker, Koriya, Narayanpur, Rajnandgaon, Surguja, Dhamtari, Mahasamund, Gariaband, Balod, Sukma, Kondagaon, and Balrampur will be eligible for loans with zero per cent interest, an official spokesman said. Besides, students belonging to economically weaker families in other districts will be offered a reduced interest rate of 1 % for their higher education.
Chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai has directed district authorities to launch a special campaign to maximise the number of students from Maoist-affected districts benefitting from this scheme.
Deputy chief minister Vijay Sharma said that the department of technical education has been designated as the nodal department responsible for implementing the scheme. The program covers 25 technical and vocational courses at diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate levels with a maximum loan of Rs 4 lakhs eligible for interest subsidy.
Students whose families earn less than Rs 2 lakhs annually will only need to pay a 1% interest rate during the repayment period, provided they make regular payments after the moratorium period. The state government will pay the remaining interest.
To qualify for this scheme, students must be permanent residents of Chhattisgarh enrolled in courses recognized by authorities such as AICTE or UGC, and attend institutions within the state. The family income must not exceed Rs 2 lakhs, verified by an official income certificate.
The scheme mandates regular repayment of loan instalments to maintain eligibility for the interest subsidy. Students who drop out or are expelled will lose eligibility although those who pause studies due to medical reasons may retain eligibility for up to one year.
The scheme covers a wide range of courses including BE/BTech, ME/M.Tech, MCA, MBA, MBBS, and various diploma programs.