GEDC to consider education loan applications on priority basis

Panaji, Aug 27 (UNI) Debunking fear and anxiety in the minds of the students seeking interest-free loans for pursuing higher education, Goa Education Minister Atanasio Monserrate assured the State Legislative Assembly that the Goa Education Development Corporation (GEDC) was directed to clear the loan applications on a priority basis.

Replying to a call attention motion on the issue, raised by Laxmikant Parsekar (BJP MLA), the Minister said the Government had received 49 applications so far for the year 2008-09, while the directorate of higher education had made a budgetary provision of Rs 4.5 crore for the purpose.

It had so far released more than Rs 1.76 crore to the GEDC and more funds would be made available as and when necessary, he said.

The scheme had been in vogue in the State since 2002-03. The Government had cleared 161 eligible applicants, out of a total of 215 in the previous year, he added.

UNI BM RN NP1640