Scheme to offer subsidised education loans to Scheduled Tribe

Today Tribal Affairs Ministry launched a scheme to offer subsidized education loans to Scheduled Tribe (ST) students at concessional rate for higher, professional and technical education in government-approved institutions.Speaking to reporters in Delhi after launching Adivasi Shiksha Rinn Yojana (ASRY) on Thursday, Tribal Affairs Minister Kishore Chandra Deo said that the scheme by the National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC) would provide concessional loan at six per cent interest which is payable only after completion of the course or after getting a job.The Minister said it is a scheme which has been started for the ST students for the first time.

This will enable them not only to gain seats in institutions and universities but also to sustain their courses which will last for four or five years. The Minister lauded the efforts of NSTFDC for starting such a unique scheme.

In order to encourage self employment, provision has also been made in Rinn Yojana for extending concessional financial assistance for undertaking income generating activities after completion of studies.

He also asked for creation of special cells in Raj Bhavans to handle the rights of tribes in scheduled areas.