Student Loan Scheme: Suspended by Ministry Decision

The various steps taken to get things done were not successful. As we approach the deadline for the payment of tuition fees, some fear of having to terminate their studies.

In 2008, the Government developed a borrowing plan student in collaboration with commercial banks. Under this plan, students who have obtained a place in a tertiary institution in the country could borrow money from a commercial bank and the government would act as guarantor.

According to the procedures, the guarantor, through the Ministry of Education must give its approval after acceptance of the application of the bank and the signature of a "bond" by the student who agrees to repay the amount a year after graduating.

In a statement issued at the launch of the plan , it is stated: " The guarantee aims at ensuring that no one is turned away from tertiary education through lack of funds. " However, the reality is quite different for the students concerned and whose parents do not have the means to" secure "as a loan from banks.

Currently, a dozen students who have used this plan in December 2012 still waiting for their money. One of them says she called the Department on several occasions to find out where the file is. "But every time, it tells me that I get my money soon. "

This student says that the situation has become very stressful for her, because she does not know if she can continue her studies. "I had to pay part of the costs in April 2013 and I had to borrow from the left and right for it. In August, I have to pay for my new year and I do not know where to find the money. Especially since the university has very strict rules and shows no understanding. "

According to our information, the file was previously under the Human Resource Knowledge and Arts Development Fund, created in 2008 by Sithanen. However, it seems that this fund has no chairman at this time.

Moreover, in line with the provisions of the 2013 budget, a New Student Loan Scheme was launched in April 2013. Is this would mean that students must wait to reapply under the new plan? They tried in vain to get an answer about this. Meanwhile, they are in a stressful situation because they do not know if they will continue their studies. "We expected it, since our case was accepted. Now we do not know what to do. "

We could not at this stage have an explanation of the situation of these students to the department.