Fees are hiked; now banks should hike loans for minority students: Panel

Mangaluru, Aug 6: Observing that fees for undergraduate medical and dental courses in has increased this year in Karnataka, the State Minority Commission has directed banks to increase the education loans for students from minority community

“The fees for medical course are between Rs. 4 lakh and Rs. 10 lakh. Some NGOs, representing minorities, have given representation to the commission seeking hike in the loan amount. Loans should match the fees,” commission chairman Naseer Ahmed told reporters here.

It would be difficult for students to pursue medical course with a loan of around Rs. 2 lakh, which was presently being given. During a meeting with representatives of different banks in the city on Saturday Mr. Ahmed asked them to increse the amount. He said similar direction has also been given to Karnataka State Minority Development Corporation, which also disburses education loan.

Mr. Ahmed said the commission will take up the issue during a meeting with Chief Secretary and other State government officers.

Mr. Ahmed said that 31,000 applications under Shaadi Bhagya Scheme were pending in the State.

Of this, 1,000 applications were from Dakshina Kannada. The State government sanctioned Rs. 160 crore to clear applications that include 400 beneficiaries from the district.

Mr. Ahmed said he has asked the police to act against all those persons disturbing peace in the district.