Ranchi: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren said that education is the most important key to the state’s development during an interaction with beneficiaries of the Gurujii Students Credit Card scheme. The event was held in Ranchi to commemorate the 82nd birth anniversary of his father and former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren, fondly called “Gurujii.”
On the occasion, CM Soren also inaugurated the Grassroots Innovation Internship Program, aimed at providing graduate and postgraduate students with a two-month internship. Under this initiative, students will gain practical experience working in rural areas while continuing their studies and will receive a stipend of ₹10,000.
Highlighting the financial barriers faced by many talented students, CM Soren said, “Many students are unable to pursue their dreams due to lack of funds. Keeping this in mind, the Gurujii Students Credit Card scheme was launched.”
Read also: Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren Inaugurates Netaji Subhas Medical College & Hospital in Saraikela
Gurujii Students Credit Card Scheme
Launched two years ago, the scheme offers educational loans of up to ₹15 lakh at a 4% interest rate for students pursuing higher education, including engineering, medical, and other professional courses. Repayment begins one year after course completion, and the state government acts as the guarantor.
Key details:
- Loans up to ₹15 lakh
- 4% interest rate
- EMI starts one year after course completion
- Guaranteed by the state government
According to Rahul Purwar, Principal Secretary of the Higher and Technical Education Department:
- 2,430 students have benefited from the scheme so far
- A total of ₹200 crore has been disbursed
- On Sunday, loans totaling ₹12 crore were approved for 55 students
CM Soren highlighted that Jharkhand is the first state in India to offer education loans of up to ₹15 lakh at such a low-interest rate. He urged students to aim for excellence at both national and international levels.
Other Government Initiatives in Education
Apart from the credit card scheme, the government has taken several steps to promote education:
- 100% scholarships for higher studies abroad
- Establishment of libraries in all districts
- Launch of the CM School of Excellence
CM Soren noted that now students from tribal and Dalit communities are able to study abroad, a dream that was once considered unattainable.
Remembering Shibu Soren
CM Soren paid tribute to his late father, saying, “Baba may not be with us today, but his thoughts, struggle, sacrifice, and dedication will always remain alive.”
Additionally, CM Soren launched a chatbot and dashboard for the Gurujii Students Credit Card scheme and distributed the first installment of ₹25,000 each to 23 researchers under the CM Fellowship program.
