At a felicitation programme organised by Karnataka Government Secretariat Co-operative Society Limited on Saturday, Higher Education Minister Aravind Limbavali announced that a proposal for scheme offering educational loans to students pursuing non-professional courses has been put forth.

Last year, the State had introduced educational loan schemes, where nationalised banks were authorised to provide educational loans to students pursuing professional courses.
The loans were offered to students at an annual interest of 6 per cent, while deriving a subsidy of five per cent. More than 24,000 students were benefited from the loans in 2008.
Limbavali said, “The State has planned to extend the benefit of educational loans to students pursuing non-professional courses like degree and post graduate courses. Students pursuing non-professional courses need monetary encouragement.”

As many as 55 children, whose parents are employed with the Government Secretariat, Lokayukta, Archives and Legislature of both the Houses, and who had scored high marks in SSLC and second PU examinations, were felicitated on the occasion. Governor H R Bharadwaj remarked that girl students are the nation’s asset, and urged parents to support them in every manner.

“Women need to be empowered and educated. Education and confidence has to be instilled in girls to become successful. The 21st century is the century of women,” he added.
The governor also urged government officials not to indulge in corrupt activities, as it would be a great humiliation to their families and the State.