Una, December 21: Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has a clear vision that no student in Himachal Pradesh should be deprived of higher education due to financial constraints. With this vision in mind, the state government has launched the Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar Student Loan Scheme, which is laying a strong foundation for the bright future of the youth.
Launched in 2023, this scheme is a reliable support for meritorious students who want to pursue higher education but are hindered by a lack of financial resources. Under the scheme, the Himachal Pradesh government is providing education loans up to Rs. 20 lakh at an interest rate of only 1 percent. This loan amount can be used to cover tuition fees, accommodation, food, and other educational expenses.
*Increased Income Limit Provides Opportunity to More Students*
Una District Deputy Director of Higher Education, Anil Kumar, informed that initially, the annual income limit for beneficiary families was set at Rs. 4 lakh, which has now been increased to Rs. 12 lakh. This decision has brought many more students in the state under the ambit of the scheme, enabling them to access opportunities for higher education.
He said that the state government aims for students of Himachal Pradesh to receive quality education and excel in the fields of knowledge, skills, and research. In this direction, the Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar Student Loan Scheme is proving to be an effective and far-sighted initiative. Currently, three students from Una district are pursuing higher education under this scheme.
*Eligibility and Application Process*
The Deputy Director informed that to avail of the scheme, the applicant must be a permanent resident of Himachal Pradesh. They must also have secured at least 60 percent marks in their previous class. The scheme covers various professional courses including medical, pharmacy, nursing, management, and engineering. The age limit for application is 28 years.
The application process is completely digital and transparent. Interested students can download Form-2 from the website of the Deputy Director of Higher Education, Una, at www.ddheuna.in or from the website of the Director of School Education, Shimla. The filled-in form can be submitted to the office of the Deputy Director of Higher Education, Una, on any working day.
*Appeal to avail the benefits of the scheme*
Anil Kumar appealed to as many students as possible in the district to take advantage of this scheme, stating that it is a powerful means of fulfilling children's dreams of higher education and a significant step towards building their future.