|
The Government has formulated a plan to revamp minority education. In order to address issues relating to the education of minorities, the Government has reconstituted the National Monitoring Committee for Minorities Education. Apart from this, a National Commission for Minority Educational Institution has been set up by an Act of Parliament and has become functional.
The Government has set up one more Commission in the name of National Commission for Religious and Linguistic Minorities for a period of six months. Besides, the Government is implementing a Scheme of Area Intensive & Madrasa Modernization Programme through States/UT Administrations. So far, an amount of Rs. 28.44 crores, Rs. 29.0 crores and Rs. 22.05 crores have been released during the last three years respectively.
In addition, the National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation(NMDFC) under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, has been implementing the Educational Loan Scheme for persons belonging to minorities since January, 2004. According to that Ministry, the Educational Loan Scheme of NMDFC was launched during the financial year i.e. 2003-04 with the objective to facilitate job-oriented education amongst the weaker sections of the minorities. The scheme is being implemented through the State Channelising Agencies (SCAs) of NMDFC, nominated by the respective State Governments. Under the revised scheme, a maximum loan of Rs. 2.50 lakhs can be availed by a beneficiary for pursuing higher studies of duration of up to five years. The funds under the scheme are released to the SCA at an interest rate of 1 per cent per annum, which is further given to the beneficiaries at an interest rate of 3 per cent. The loan is repayable within a period of five years after completion of the course.
During 2003-04, Rs. 58.90 lakhs and Rs. 231.00 lakhs in 2004-05 were disbursed under the Educational Loan Scheme.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Shri M.A.A. Fatmi in Lok Sabha.
SK:SPS:NC
|
