RANCHI: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Sunday launched the ‘Grassroots Innovation Internship Scheme,’ emphasizing education as central to the state’s development. He made the announcement while interacting with beneficiaries of the Guruji Students Credit Card scheme, coinciding with the 82nd birth anniversary of his father, former Chief Minister Shibu Soren.
Grassroots Innovation Internship Scheme Launched
The new internship program offers graduate and postgraduate students a two-month opportunity. Participants will work in rural areas. They will receive a stipend of Rs 10,000 as an incentive. An official stated the scheme aims to provide practical experience alongside academic studies.
Education Drives State Progress
Chief Minister Soren reiterated that education is fundamental for Jharkhand’s progress. He stated, “When youths in villages are educated and moving forward with self-reliance, then only our state will be developed.” Soren added that the future of Jharkhand rests with its students.
Guruji Students Credit Card Scheme
The Guruji Students Credit Card scheme, launched two years ago, provides financial assistance for higher education. This includes engineering and medical courses. Students can avail loans up to Rs 15 lakh at a 4 percent interest rate. The state government acts as the guarantor for these loans. EMI payments begin one year after course completion.
Scheme Impact and Disbursement
Principal Secretary Rahul Purwar, Higher and Technical Education department, reported significant progress. As of Sunday, 2,430 beneficiaries have received loans totaling Rs 200 crore . On Sunday alone, Rs 12 crore in loans was sanctioned for 55 students .
| Scheme Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Maximum Loan Amount | Rs 15 lakh |
| Interest Rate | 4% |
| Loan Guarantor | Jharkhand Government |
| EMI Start | One year after course completion |
| Total Beneficiaries (to date) | 2,430 |
| Total Disbursed (to date) | Rs 200 crore |
| Loans Sanctioned (Sunday) | Rs 12 crore for 55 students |
CM Soren asserted Jharkhand is the first state to offer education loans up to Rs 15 lakh at such a nominal interest rate. He told students the goal is to position them for success in national and international competitions.
Broader Education Initiatives
The state government has implemented several education-focused schemes. These include 100 percent scholarships for higher education abroad and the establishment of libraries in all districts. The government has also initiated ‘CM Schools of Excellence.’ Tribal and Dalit community children are now pursuing higher education abroad, a previously unattainable goal for many, according to the Chief Minister.
New Digital Tools and Fellowships
On the occasion, Chief Minister Soren also launched a chatbot and a new dashboard for the Guruji Students Credit Card. Additionally, he handed over the first installment of Rs 25,000 to 23 research scholars under the CM Fellowship scheme.