LG stalls Delhi government’s students loan scheme

New Delhi, Sep 22 (IANS) Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal has blocked the Delhi government's students loan scheme and asked that opinion of the central government be taken on the issue, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said here on Friday, adding that it would delay disbursal of the loans by two to four years.

"There is political enmity with us, but what's the enmity with Delhi's children?" Sisodia asked, while addressing media on Friday evening.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that Baijal has asked them to take the opinion of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and the concerned central ministry.

Two years back, the AAP-led Delhi government had started a scheme to provide loans to students for higher education, even if they didn't have any property or land as security.

Sisodia said that though the then Lieutenant Governor had raised some issues, scores of students benefited from the scheme.

This year, the scheme was extended to Delhi students pursuing courses outside Delhi, in government recognised institutions.

"Taking opinion of the central government means that we won't be able to give out loans for the next two to four years," Sisodia said.

"Fight with us, but don't destroy the future of thousands of children," the Deputy Chief Minister added.

Later in the evening, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal took it to Twitter on the issue: "LG Sir, it's our duty to ensure best quality education to poor kids also. They too deserve it. Education Loan would ensure that."

Sisodia said the government will talk to the Lieutenant Governor on the issue.