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Saturday, November 10, 2012

No service area approach for Education Loan - RBI

Reserve Bank of India has issued notification on 9th November 2012 as follows:

Quote


We have been receiving a number of complaints where students have been refused educational loan as the residence of the  borrower does not fall under the bank's service area. In this connection, we advise that Service area norms are to be followed only in the case of Government sponsored schemes as advised in our circular RPCD.LBS (SAA).BC.No.62/08.01.00/2004-05 dated December 8, 2004 and are not applicable to sanction of educational loans.  

2. Hence, banks are advised not to reject any educational loan application for reasons that the residence of the borrower does not fall under the bank's service area. 

3. You are, therefore requested to issue suitable instructions to your branches / controlling offices for meticulous and strict compliance in this regard. 

unquote

Ref: http://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/Notification/PDFs/SAC091112CE.pdf

If the banks reject the education loan applications from students, quoting the 'service area concept', students can quote this circular.  If still the branch managers do not accept the application for processing, the students can complain to Reserve Bank of India through mail id cgmicrpcd@rbi.org.in or send a fax to RBI, Mumbai 91-22-22621011/ 22658273/ 22658276


Monday, November 5, 2012

Govt. extends time to submit Interest Subsidy claims of previous years

Indian Bank's Association has issued a guideline, in consultation with Government of India granting extension of time for submission of interest subsidy claim by the banks to the nodal agency.  The students, who did not submit earlier the income certificate for claiming interest subsidy, may now meet the concerned bank managers and take guidance.










Sunday, October 21, 2012

Banks can't deny loan due to low marks: Madras High Court




Banks can't deny loan due to low marks, says HC

20 October 2012

CHENNAI: A bank cannot deny educational loan to students on the ground that the student's academic record is poor, the Madras high court has said. 

Justice D Hariparanthaman, passing orders on a writ petition of a scheduled caste girl, said: "The bank cannot deny educational loan on the ground that the academic record of the petitioner at the school level was very poor. There is no such provision in the circular of the bank that the loan can be sanctioned only if the academic performance of the student was very good at the school level." 

Justice Hariparanthaman said: "In fact, I have noted in my earlier order dated September 15, 2010 that Dr B R Ambedkar obtained only 287 marks out of 750 in the matriculation examinations and his educational need was taken care of by King of Baroda on the ground that he belongs to scheduled caste," the judge added. 

Noting that the Central government had brought the educational loan scheme to help economically weaker sections and not even a third party guarantee was required for disbursement of loans up to 4 lakh, Justice Hariparanthaman asked the Ambur branch of the Punjab National Bank to sanction educational loan to the student within four weeks. 

The matter relates to a writ petition of Anitha, a nursing student from Vellore district. Though she cleared her Class 12 in 2005, she was not able to continue higher education due to family problems and poor health condition of her mother. Later, she joined BSc (nursing) at Noorie College of Nursing in Kolar district in Karnataka. She applied for an education loan for 3.15 lakh. But, the Punjab National Bank rejected her application on the ground that her academic performance at the school was poor. 

The bank, however, justified the denial of educational loan to Anitha, stating that it had been provided for in the bank's circular. Referring to earlier orders of the court, the judge said the circular could not go beyond such orders.


Source:
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-09-17/chennai/28252836_1_model-educational-loan-scheme-higher-education-weaker-sections

Education loan can't be denied citing low marks, says HC

TNN Sep 17, 2010, 12.59am IST

CHENNAI: Coming to the rescue of a dalit boy who was denied educational loan because he had scored less than 45 per cent marks, the Madras high court has said it was unfortunate that banks were inventing reasons to deny loans to students.

Justice D Hariparanthaman, directing the State Bank of Travancore to extend educational loan to S Maran, who joined the SKR Engineering College at Poonamallee in 2008, said that had such an attitude been adopted earlier, even the architect of the Constitution, Dr B R Ambedkar, could not have pursued his higher education.

Maran, a first-generation engineering student, joined the college in 2008 and paid his first year tuition fee with great difficulty, as he was not aware of the educational loan scheme. However, in 2009-10, he applied for a loan but never got any response from the bank. He had to borrow loan from private people. He then approached the high court against the denial of loan.

The bank, in its counter-affidavit, said that the boy was not eligible for educational loan as he had scored less than 45 per cent marks, which was the cut off for availing the loan. It also quoted a circular, issued on June 1, 2008, on the basis of a Model Educational Loan Scheme of the Indian Banks' Association.

Justice Hariparanthaman, noting that the very purpose of the educational loan scheme would be defeated by such an approach, said: "If such an attitude was adopted, even Dr B R Ambedkar could not have gone for higher education. He had obtained only Rs 287 marks out of 750 in the matriculation examination. The king of Baroda was kind enough to extend financial assistance to him."

The intention behind the welfare scheme was to provide financial assistance to weaker sections of the society, he said, adding, "It is unfortunate that the bank is denying the facility (to students) citing one reason or the other."

If such an argument of the bank is accepted, in Tamil Nadu, except the general category students, no other student would get educational loans, Justice Hariparanthaman said. The government has prescribed just 35 per cent as eligibility criterion for SC/ST students' admission in professional courses, he pointed out.

He then directed the bank to sanction the loan within four weeks, and asked the college to reimburse the fee paid by the boy for his second year.

Monday, October 8, 2012

IBA directs Banks to reduce harassment of students

The following letter may be downloaded form IBA site
http://www.iba.org.in/Documents/cirmembers%2027912.doc

The latest IBA scheme may be downloaded from our site
http://www.eltf.in/2012/10/education-loan-iba-scheme-effective.html


Chief Executive

No. CE/220


27th September, 2012

To:

Chief Executives of all Member Banks:

Dear Sirs / Madam,

Educational Loan Scheme – Grievance prone areas discussed at the Review meeting
with Chief Executives of Public Sector Banks taken by Hon’ble Finance Minister on 18th August, 2012 at New Delhi

At the above meeting, Hon’ble Finance Minister brought out a number of areas in the implementation of Educational Loan Scheme where the Govt. was constantly receiving grievances / complaints from affected students / parents.  We list below the major areas of grievance pointed out by the Minister:
  • Refusal to finance outside the bank’s designated service area
  • Delay in sanction of limits and repeated refusal of loan on flimsy grounds         
  • Absence of a proper grievance redressal mechanism in  banks         
  • Need to consider loans to meritorious students pursuing courses offered under management quota
  • Non-inclusion of nursing course in the list of eligible courses by some banks


The position in respect of the above issues were reviewed by IBA first, at the level of Committee on Educational Loan Scheme and,  thereafter,  by the Managing Committee at its meeting held on 21st September, 2012.  Based on the discussions / decisions taken by the Managing Committee, we advise as under:
  
1.      Refusal to finance outside the bank’s designated service area:
The Model Educational Loan Scheme has not stipulated a service area approach to finance under the scheme.  While proximity to the residence of parents was considered an advantage in KYC compliance, the scheme allows the student to have a choice in deciding on the bank from where to borrow.  The Committee, however, noted that SLBC in Kerala and some of the DLCCs in Tamil Nadu had allocated villages / wards in urban centres to different  banks for the purpose of entertaining applications under Educational Loan Scheme.  This, we understand,  was an attempt to evenly distribute loan applications among participating banks.  The Managing Committee felt that such arrangements should not preclude a student from approaching any bank of his choice for sanction of loan.  The Member Banks are therefore, requested to instruct their branches not to reject loan applications merely for the reason that the particular area is allocated to another bank by SLBC / DLCCs.

2.      Delay in sanction of limits and repeated refusal of loan on flimsy ground:
The Model Educational Loan Scheme envisages that in the normal course, an education loan should be sanctioned / rejected within a period of 15 days of receipt of duly completed application with supporting documents.  Rejection, if any, has to be with the approval of controlling authority of the branch concerned and the reason for rejecting should be communicated to the students in writing. The Managing Committee decided to reiterate the position and appeal to the banks to ensure that the branches follow the laid down norms in sanctioning / rejection of loan applications.

3.      Absence of a proper grievance redressal mechanism in the bank

The guidelines issued by Reserve Bank of India and Govt. of India require banks to have robust grievance redressal mechanism within the institution.  The arrangements need to be widely publicized with details of contact persons / escalation matrix etc.  The Managing Committee decided to draw the attention of banks to the need to have these facilities made available / known  to students approaching the banks for sanction of loan.  The Committee also suggested that the banks may provide a toll free line for receipt of complaints and the number may be prominently displayed in the branch premises.  It was also decided that banks should take penal action against branch  managers who repeatedly refused / rejected applications for education loan.  The controlling authorities should be advised to counsel  such officials initially.  Officers who do not show improvements in this regard may be warned in writing and thereafter banks could initiate such disciplinary  measures as  deemed fit. 


4.      Need to consider loans to meritorious students pursuing courses offered under management quota:

The Managing Committee considered the recommendations made by the IBA Committee on Educational Loan Scheme and after detailed discussions decided to incorporate a provision for financing meritorious students who pursue courses under management quota seat in an institution for reasons of convenience (proximity) or choice of course.

We enclose a copy of the  revised Model Educational Loan Scheme. Your attention is drawn to changes made in paragraph 4.1 and notes to paragraph 4.3 in this regard. The changes made are indicated in bold italics. 

5.      Non-inclusion of nursing course in the list of eligible courses by some banks:

The Managing Committee observed that the Model Educational Loan Scheme provided for financing students who pursue degree / diploma in nursing in recognized institutions.  Many of the banks had also reported that they were sanctioning loans for pursuing nursing courses.  Managing Committee after detailed discussions decided to include degree / diploma in nursing in the indicative list of eligible courses and these are made in Para 4.2 (a).

We have duly incorporated necessary changes in the existing scheme after approval by the IBA Managing Committee.  We enclose copy of  Model Educational Loan Scheme for pursuing higher education in India and Abroad (September, 2012) for Member Banks’ information and necessary action.


Yours faithfully,


(K Ramakrishnan)

Encl: IBA Educational Loan Scheme  (September, 2012)



Education Loan - IBA Scheme effective from Sep 2012


This latest model scheme may be downloaded from http://www.iba.org.in/Documents/revisededuscheme21092012__04_10_12.doc

MODEL EDUCATIONAL LOAN SCHEME FOR PURSUING HIGHER EDUCATION IN INDIA AND ABROAD

(September, 2012)

1.         INTRODUCTION:
Education is central to the human resources development and empowerment in any country. National and State level policies are framed to ensure that this basic need of the population is met through appropriate public and private sector initiatives. While government endeavour to provide primary education to all on a universal basis, public funding of higher education is  not considered feasible. Cost of education has been going up in recent times and since the student has to bear most of the cost, there is a clear case for institutional funding in this area. This model education loan scheme is an attempt to bring out a viable and sustainable bank loan scheme to meet the aspirations of our society.
Knowledge and information would be the driving force for economic growth in the coming years. The current rate of economic growth of the country demands technically and professionally trained man power in large numbers. In this backdrop, loans for education is seen as investments for economic development and prosperity. The model Education Loan Scheme was developed by the Indian Banks’ Association to help meritorious students  pursue higher education in technical and professional courses. As the focus is on development of human capital, repayment of the loan is expected to come from future earnings of the student after completion of education. Hence the assessment of the loan will be based on employability and earning potential of  the student upon completion of the course and not the parental income/family wealth. 
Based on recommendations made by a Study Group, IBA had prepared a Model Educational Loan Scheme in the year 2001 which was advised to banks for implementation by Reserve Bank of India vide circular No.RPCD.PLNFS.BC.NO.83/06.12.05/2000-01 dated April 28, 2001 along with certain modifications suggested by the Government of India. In line with the announcement made by the Hon'ble Finance Minister in his Budget Speech for the year 2004-05, IBA had communicated certain changes in the security norms applicable to education loans with limits above ₹ 4 lakhs and up to ₹ 7.5 lakhs. The scheme was further modified in the year 2007-08 based on experience gained in the operation of the scheme over the years.
­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­With increased public awareness about the benefits of the education loan scheme, bank branches  are  receiving  more  and    more   applications for  loans every year.  This has also

resulted in cases of customer grievances due to misinterpretation of the provisions of the scheme. This review exercise has been taken up to make the scheme more transparent and minimize scope for multiple interpretations leading to disputes.


2.                  OBJECTIVES OF THE SCHEME
The Educational Loan Scheme outlined below aims at providing financial support from the banking system to meritorious students for pursuing higher education in India and abroad. The main emphasis is that a meritorious student, though poor, is provided with an opportunity to pursue education with the financial support from the banking system with affordable terms and conditions.
3.                  APPLICABILITY OF THE SCHEME:
The scheme detailed below could be adopted by all member banks of the Association or other banks and financial institutions as may be advised by the Reserve Bank of India. The scheme provides broad guidelines to the banks for operationalising the educational loan scheme and the implementing bank will have the discretion to make changes as deemed fit.
The scheme details are as under:
4.         ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
4.1 Student eligibility:
·               The student should be an Indian National.
·                Should have secured admission to a higher education course in recognized institutions  in India or Abroad through Entrance Test/ Merit Based Selection process after completion of HSC(10 plus 2 or equivalent).  However, entrance test or selection purely based on marks obtained in qualifying examination may not be the criterion for admission to some of the post graduate courses or research programmes. In such cases, banks will have to adopt appropriate criteria based on employability and reputation of the institution concerned
Note: It would be in order for banks to consider a meritorious student (who qualifies for a seat under merit quota) eligible for loan under this scheme even if the student chooses to pursue a course under Management Quota.
     4.2    Courses eligible
a. Studies in India: (Indicative list)
·         Approved courses leading to graduate/ post graduate degree and P G diplomas  conducted by recognized colleges/ universities recognized
       by  UGC/ Govt./ AICTE/ AIBMS/ ICMR etc.
·         Courses like ICWA, CA, CFA etc.
·         Courses conducted by IIMs, IITs, IISc, XLRI. NIFT,NID etc.

 ·         Regular Degree/Diploma courses like Aeronautical, pilot training, shipping, degree/diploma in nursing or any other discipline approved by Director General of Civil Aviation/Shipping/Indian Nursing Council or any other regulatory body as the case may be, if the course is pursued in India.
·         Approved courses offered in India by reputed foreign universities.
Note:

1.      The above list is indicative in nature. Banks may approve other job oriented courses leading to technical/ professional degrees, post graduate degrees/diplomas  offered by recognized institutions under this scheme.

2.      Courses other than the above offered by reputed institutions  may also be considered on the basis of employability.


(b) Studies abroad :-
·                   Graduation :                       For job oriented professional/ technical
courses offered by reputed universities.
·         Post graduation:          MCA, MBA, MS, etc.
·         Courses conducted by CIMA- London, CPA in USA etc.
·         Degree/diploma courses like aeronautical, pilot training, shipping etc provided these are recognized by competent regulatory bodies in India/abroad for the purpose of employment in India/abroad.
Reference: www.webometrics.info  (indicative only)
4.3       Expenses considered for loan :
        i.            Fee payable to college++/ school/ hostel*
      ii.            Examination/ Library/ Laboratory fee
    iii.            Travel expenses/ passage money for studies abroad
    iv.            Insurance premium for student borrower, if applicable
      v.            Caution deposit, Building fund/refundable deposit supported by Institution bills/receipts. **
    vi.            Purchase of books/ equipments/ instruments/ uniforms***
  vii.            Purchase of computer at reasonable cost, if required for completion of the course***

viii.            Any other expense required to complete the course - like study tours, project work, thesis, etc.***
    ix.            While computing loan required, scholarships, fee waiver etc., if any available to the student borrower may be taken into account.

Notes:          

++   For courses under Management quota seats considered under the scheme, fees as approved by the State Government/Government approved regulatory body for payment seats will be taken, subject to  viability of repayment.

*        Reasonable  lodging and boarding charges  will be  considered in case the student chooses / is required to opt for outside accommodation.

**    These expenses could be considered subject to the condition that the amount does not exceed 10% of the total tuition fees for the entire course.

***  It is likely that expenditure under Item Nos. vi, vii & viii above may not be available in the schedule of fees and charges prescribed by the college authorities.  Therefore, a realistic assessment may be made of the requirement under these heads.  However, the maximum expenses included under vi, vii & viii may be capped at 20% of the total tuition fees payable for completion of the course.
5.         QUANTUM OF FINANCE:
Need based finance to meet the expenses worked out as per para 4.3 above will be considered taking in to account margins as per para 6 subject to the following ceilings:
- Studies in India         -          Maximum upto ₹ 10 lakhs.
- Studies Abroad          -          Maximum upto  ₹ 20 lakhs.
Note:
The ceilings fixed for studies in India and Abroad correspond to the limits fixed by the RBI for treatment as priority sector lending. Banks may consider higher quantum of loan on course  to course basis (eg: courses in IIMs, ISB etc). It may also be noted that even  loans in excess of ₹ 10 lakhs qualify for interest subsidy under Central Sector Interest Subsidy Scheme for loans up to ₹ 10 lakhs.
6.                   MARGIN:
Upto ₹ 4 lakhs                                    Nil

Above ₹  4 lakhs Studies in India      5%
                          Studies Abroad      15%

-    Scholarship/ assistantship to be included in margin.
-          Margin may be brought-in on year-to-year basis as and when disbursements  are made on a pro-rata basis.


7.                    SECURITY :

Upto ₹ 4 lakhs               Parents to be joint borrower(s).
                                          No security
Above ₹ 4 lakhs
and upto ₹ 7.5 lakhs   Besides the parent(s) executing the documents as     joint borrower(s) ,  collateral  security in the form of suitable third party guarantee will be taken. The bank may, at its discretion, in exceptional cases, waive third party guarantee if satisfied with the net-worth / means of parent/s who would be executing the document as joint borrower(s).
Above ₹ 7.5 lakhs         Parent(s) to be joint borrower(s)                                          Tangible collateral security of suitable value acceptable to bank,  along with the assignment of future income of the student for payment of instalments.
Note:-
·         The loan documents should be executed by both  the student and the parent/ guardian as joint-borrower.
·         The security can be in the form of land/ building/ Govt. securities/ Public Sector Bonds/Units of UTI, NSC, KVP, life policy, gold, shares/mutual fund units/debentures, bank deposit in the name of student/ parent/ guardian / any other third party  or any other tangible security acceptable to the bank with suitable margin.
·         Wherever the land/ building is already mortgaged, the unencumbered portion can be    taken as security on second charge basis provided it covers the required loan amount
8.         RATE OF INTEREST :
Interest to be charged at rates linked to the Base rate as decided by individual banks
·         Simple interest to be charged during the study period and up to commencement of repayment.
Note: Servicing of interest during study period and the moratorium period till commencement of repayment is optional for students. Accrued interest will be added to the principal amount borrowed while fixing EMI for repayment.

9.                    APPRAISAL / SANCTION/ DISBURSEMENT :
·                Applications will be received either directly at bank branches or through on-line mode. Upon receipt of application, standard  acknowledgement giving a reference number will be issued. The acknowledgement will contain contact details of the bank official who, could be contacted in case of delay in disposal of application.
·                Normally, sanction/rejection will be communicated within 15 days of receipt duly completed application with supporting documents.
·                In the normal course, while appraising the loan, the future income prospect of the student only will be looked into.
·                Rejection of loan application, if any, shall be done with the concurrence of the controlling authority of the branch concerned and conveyed to the student stating reason for rejection.
·                Students may submit their loan applications either at the bank branches near to the residence of parents or to the educational institution.  However, after the loan is sanctioned, the cases be transferred to the bank branch near to the institution for follow up with student / institution.  The KYC compliance for the purpose has to be done by the branch nearest to the residence of  parents.
·                The loan to be disbursed in stages as per the requirement/ demand directly to the Institutions/ Vendors of  equipments/ instruments to the extent possible.
10.          REPAYMENT:
Repayment    holiday/Moratorium
Course period + 1 year or 6 months after getting job, whichever is earlier.
If the student is not able to complete the course within the scheduled time, extension of time for completion of course may be permitted for a maximum period of 2 years. If the student is not able to complete the course for reasons beyond his control, sanctioning authority may at his discretion consider such extensions as may be deemed necessary to complete the course. In case the student discontinues the course midway, appropriate repayment schedule will be worked out by the bank in consultation with the student/parent

·         The accrued interest during the repayment holiday period to be added to    the principal and repayment in Equated Monthly Instalments (EMI) fixed.
·         1% interest concession may be provided by the bank,  if  interest is serviced during  the  study   period  and   subsequent  moratorium  period  prior  to commencement of repayment. Repayment of the loan will be in equated monthly instalments for periods as under:
For loans upto ₹ 7.5 lakhs                - upto 10 years 
For loans above ₹ 7.5 lakhs             -  upto  15 years

·           While EMI based repayment is the generally accepted practice, many times the salary levels at the start of the career may not facilitate comfortable payment of EMI in certain cases (e.g. professionals like Doctors). Telescoping of repayment with stepped up instalments with passage of time may be considered in such cases.
Note: No prepayment penalty will be levied for prepayment of  loan any time during the repayment period.
11.              INSURANCE
Banks may, with the consent of the student, arrange for life insurance policy on the students availing Education Loan. Individual Banks may work out the modalities with insurance companies. 
12.       FOLLOW UP/MONITORING:
Banks to contact college / university authorities to obtain  progress report on the student at regular intervals in respect of those who have availed loans. In case of studies abroad, bank may obtain the SSN/Unique Identification Number (UIN)/Identity Card and note the same in the bank’s records. The UID number issued by UIDIA may also be captured in bank’s system as and when available. Banks to enter into Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the educational institutions to provide the educational loans to the students.  There should be an annual review of the asset quality of educational loans between banks and educational institution.
13.       PROCESSING CHARGES :
No processing / upfront charges may be levied on loans sanctioned under the scheme. (Banks may charge processing fee for considering loans for studies abroad. The fee would however, be refunded upon the student taking up the course)
14.              CAPABILITY CERTIFICATE:
Banks can also issue the capability certificate for students going abroad for higher studies. For this purpose financial and other supporting documents may be obtained from applicant, if required.
(Some of the foreign universities require the students to submit a certificate from their bankers about the sponsors' solvency/ financial capability, with a view to ensure that the sponsors of the students going abroad for higher studies are capable of meeting the expenses till completion of studies.)

15.              OTHER CONDITIONS:
15.1 Sanction of loan to more than one child from the same family
Existence of an earlier education loan to the brother(s) and/or sister(s) will not affect the eligibility of another meritorious student from the same family obtaining education loan as per this scheme from the bank.
15.2  Minimum Age
There is no specific restriction with regard to the age of the student to be eligible for education loan. However, if the student was a minor while the parent executed
documents for the loan, the bank will obtain a letter of ratification from him/her upon attaining majority.
15.3 Top up loans
Banks may consider top up loans to students pursuing further studies within the overall eligibility limit, if such further studies are commenced during the moratorium period of the first loan.  The repayment of the loan will commence after the completion of the second course and further moratorium period, as provided under the scheme. 
15.4 Joint Borrower
The joint borrower should normally be parent(s)/guardian of the student borrower. In case of a married person, joint borrower can be either spouse or the parent(s)/parents-in-law.

No Due Certificate
No due certificate will not be insisted upon as a pre-condition for considering education loan. However, banks may obtain a declaration/ an affidavit confirming that no loans are availed from other banks.
Disposal of loan application
Loan applications have to be disposed of in the normal course within a period of 15 days to 1 month, but not exceeding the time norms stipulated for disposing of loan applications under priority sector lending.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Education loans: Banks told to set up grievance redress mechanism




Education loans: Banks told to set up grievance redress mechanism

K. RAM KUMAR

FinMin envisages 3-tier mechanism at the branch, zonal and head-office levels

MUMBAI, SEPT 21: 

The Finance Ministry has asked public sector banks to put in place a three-tier grievance redressal mechanism to sort out problems being faced by students in obtaining education loans.

Banks have also been asked to make education loan applicants aware of the mechanism — at the branch, zonal office and head-office levels — at the time of submission of loan application.

Besides, the ministry wants banks to introduce a system of review by the next higher authority where application for education loan is rejected.

These directives come in the wake of the Finance Minister’s observation that students wanting to get education loans were facing a number of problems.

PROBLEM AREAS

The problems being faced by students include bank managers insisting on service area approach (SAA) in Kerala and Tamil Nadu; and refusing loan to management quota candidates and to students pursuing B.Sc (Nursing) in Kerala. Further, at times, managers reject education loan applications without any valid reasons.

A bank-wide committee headed by T. M. Bhasin, Chairman and Managing Director, Indian Bank, has decided to write to the lead banks in Kerala (Canara Bank) and Tamil Nadu (Indian Overseas Bank) to ensure that bank branches do not reject any education loan application merely because a village has been allocated to another bank branch.

MERIT-BASED SELECTION

The committee is of the view that a student who qualifies on the basis of merit but chooses to pursue a course under management quota for reasons of proximity or choice of discipline deserved to be reckoned as a meritorious student.

For assessment of limits in such cases, it has been decided to consider the fee fixed by the State Government or a Government-approved regulatory body for admission to payment seats under the common admission process. Keeping this in view, the eligibility criteria would be suitably modified in the Indian Banks’ Association’s model education loan scheme.

NURSING COURSES

In the case of nursing courses, the committee is of the view that regular degree/diploma courses approved by the Indian Nursing Council may be considered for loans by banks.

BANKS’ FEEDBACK

Banks have given feedback to the Ministry that they have put in place systems and procedures to bring to the notice of the student community about the procedure for getting education loan. They have also provided details of the officials to be contacted for any queries/complaints in regard to the loan.

Further, most of the banks are providing online facility for submission/sanction of loans which will reduce complaints to a great extent.

ramkumar.k@thehindu.co.in 


Saturday, August 11, 2012

Revised Education Loan Scheme - July 2012


   Indian Banks’ Association
    
REVISED MODEL EDUCATIONAL LOAN SCHEME FOR PURSUING HIGHER EDUCATION IN INDIA AND ABROAD

1.         INTRODUCTION:

Education is central to the human resources development and empowerment in any country. National and State level policies are framed to ensure that this basic need of the population is met through appropriate public and private sector initiatives. While government endeavour to provide primary education to all on a universal basis, public funding of higher education is  not considered feasible. Cost of education has been going up in recent times and since the student has to bear most of the cost, there is a clear case for institutional funding in this area. This model education loan scheme is an attempt to bring out a viable and sustainable bank loan scheme to meet the aspirations of our society.

Knowledge and information would be the driving force for economic growth in the coming years. The current rate of economic growth of the country demands technically and professionally trained man power in large numbers. In this backdrop, loans for education is seen as investments for economic development and prosperity. The model Education Loan Scheme was developed by the Indian Banks’ Association to help meritorious students  pursue higher education in technical and professional courses. As the focus is on development of human capital, repayment of the loan is expected to come from future earnings of the student after completion of education. Hence the assessment of the loan will be based on employability and earning potential of  the student upon completion of the course and not the parental income/family wealth. 
Based on recommendations made by a Study Group, IBA had prepared a Model Educational Loan Scheme in the year 2001 which was advised to banks for implementation by Reserve Bank of India vide circular No.RPCD.PLNFS.BC.NO.83/06.12.05/2000-01 dated April 28, 2001 along with certain modifications suggested by the Government of India. In line with the announcement made by the Hon'ble Finance Minister in his Budget Speech for the year 2004-05, IBA had communicated certain changes in the security norms applicable to education loans with limits above ₹ 4 lakhs and up to ₹ 7.5 lakhs. The scheme was further modified in the year 2007-08 based on experience gained in the operation of the scheme over the years.

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­With increased public awareness about the benefits of the education loan scheme, bank branches  are  receiving  more  and    more   applications for  loans every year.  This has also
____________________________Educational Loan Scheme_______________________
resulted in cases of customer grievances due to misinterpretation of the provisions of the scheme. This review exercise has been taken up to make the scheme more transparent and minimize scope for multiple interpretations leading to disputes.

2.                  OBJECTIVES OF THE SCHEME
The Educational Loan Scheme outlined below aims at providing financial support from the banking system to meritorious students for pursuing higher education in India and abroad. The main emphasis is that a  meritorious student, though poor, is provided with an opportunity to pursue education with the financial support from the banking system with affordable terms and conditions.

3.                  APPLICABILITY OF THE SCHEME:
The scheme detailed below could be adopted by all member banks of the Association or other banks and financial institutions as may be advised by the Reserve Bank of India. The scheme provides broad guidelines to the banks for operationalising the educational loan scheme and the implementing bank will have the discretion to make changes as deemed fit.

The scheme details are as under:

4.         ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
4.1 Student eligibility:
·               The student should be an Indian National
·                Should have secured admission to a higher education course in recognized institutions  in India or Abroad through Entrance Test/ Merit Based Selection process after completion of HSC(10 plus 2 or equivalent).  However, entrance test or selection purely based on marks obtained in qualifying examination may not be the criterion for admission to some of the post graduate courses or research programmes. In such cases, banks will have to adopt appropriate criteria based on employability and reputation of the institution concerned
     4.2    Courses eligible
a. Studies in India: (Indicative list)
·         Approved courses leading to graduate/ post graduate degree and P G diplomas  conducted by recognized colleges/ universities recognized
       by  UGC/ Govt./ AICTE/ AIBMS/ ICMR etc.
·         Courses like ICWA, CA, CFA etc.
·         Courses conducted by IIMs, IITs, IISc, XLRI. NIFT,NID etc.
  
·         Regular Degree/Diploma courses like Aeronautical, pilot training, shipping etc., approved by Director General of Civil Aviation/Shipping, if the course is pursued in India.
·         Approved courses offered in India by reputed foreign universities.
Note:

1.      The above list is indicative in nature. Banks may approve other job oriented courses leading to technical/ professional degrees, post graduate degrees/diplomas  offered by recognized institutions under this scheme.

2.      Courses other than the above offered by reputed institutions  may also be considered on the basis of employability.

(b) Studies abroad :-
·                   Graduation :                       For job oriented professional/ technical
courses offered by reputed universities.
·         Post graduation:          MCA, MBA, MS, etc.
·         Courses conducted by CIMA- London, CPA in USA etc.
·         Degree/diploma courses like aeronautical, pilot training, shipping etc provided these are recognized by competent regulatory bodies in India/abroad for the purpose of employment in India/abroad.
Reference: www.webometrics.info  (indicative only)
4.3       Expenses considered for loan :
        i.            Fee payable to college/ school/ hostel*
      ii.            Examination/ Library/ Laboratory fee
    iii.            Travel expenses/ passage money for studies abroad
    iv.            Insurance premium for student borrower, if applicable
      v.            Caution deposit, Building fund/refundable deposit supported by Institution bills/receipts. **
    vi.            Purchase of books/ equipments/ instruments/ uniforms***
  vii.            Purchase of computer at reasonable cost, if required for completion of the course***

viii.            Any other expense required to complete the course - like study tours, project work, thesis, etc***
    ix.            While computing loan required, scholarships, fee waiver etc., if any available to the student borrower may be taken into account.

Notes:
*        Reasonable  lodging and boarding charges  will be  considered in case the student chooses / is required to opt for outside accommodation.

**    These expenses could be considered subject to the condition that the amount does not exceed 10% of the total tuition fees for the entire course.

***  It is likely that expenditure under Item Nos. vi, vii & viii above may not be available in the schedule of fees and charges prescribed by the college authorities.  Therefore, a realistic assessment may be made of the requirement under these heads.  However, the maximum expenses included under vi, vii & viii may be capped at 20% of the total tuition fees payable for completion of the course.

5.         QUANTUM OF FINANCE:
Need based finance to meet the expenses worked out as per para 4.3 above will be considered taking in to account margins as per para 6 subject to the following ceilings:
- Studies in India         -          Maximum upto ₹ 10 lakhs.
- Studies Abroad          -          Maximum upto  ₹ 20 lakhs.
Note:
The ceilings fixed for studies in India and Abroad correspond to the limits fixed by the RBI for treatment as priority sector lending. Banks may consider higher quantum of loan on course  to course basis (eg: courses in IIMs, ISB etc). It may also be noted that even  loans in excess of ₹ 10 lakhs qualify for interest subsidy under Central Sector Interest Subsidy Scheme for loans up to ₹ 10 lakhs.

6.                   MARGIN:
Upto ₹ 4 lakhs                                    Nil

Above ₹  4 lakhs Studies in India      5%
                          Studies Abroad      15%

-    Scholarship/ assistantship to be included in margin.
-          Margin may be brought-in on year-to-year basis as and when disbursements  are made on a pro-rata basis.


7.                    SECURITY :

Upto ₹ 4 lakhs               Parents to be joint borrower(s).
                                          No security
Above ₹ 4 lakhs
and upto ₹ 7.5 lakhs   Besides the parent(s) executing the documents as     joint borrower(s) ,  collateral  security in the form of suitable third party guarantee will be taken. The bank may, at its discretion, in exceptional cases, waive third party guarantee if satisfied with the net-worth / means of parent/s who would be executing the document as joint borrower(s).
Above ₹ 7.5 lakhs         Parent(s) to be joint borrower(s)                                          Tangible collateral security of suitable value acceptable to bank,  along with the assignment of future income of the student for payment of instalments.
Note:-
·         The loan documents should be executed by both  the student and the parent/ guardian as joint-borrower.
·         The security can be in the form of land/ building/ Govt. securities/ Public Sector Bonds/Units of UTI, NSC, KVP, life policy, gold, shares/mutual fund units/debentures, bank deposit in the name of student/ parent/ guardian / any other third party  or any other tangible security acceptable to the bank with suitable margin.
·         Wherever the land/ building is already mortgaged, the unencumbered portion can be    taken as security on second charge basis provided it covers the required loan amount

8.         RATE OF INTEREST :
Interest to be charged at rates linked to the Base rate as decided by individual banks
·         Simple interest to be charged during the study period and up to commencement of repayment.
Note: Servicing of interest during study period and the moratorium period till commencement of repayment is optional for students. Accrued interest will be added to the principal amount borrowed while fixing EMI for repayment.


__________________________Educational Loan Scheme_________________________
9.                    APPRAISAL / SANCTION/ DISBURSEMENT :
·                Applications will be received either directly at bank branches or through on-line mode. Upon receipt of application, standard  acknowledgement giving a reference number will be issued. The acknowledgement will contain contact details of the bank official who, could be contacted in case of delay in disposal of application.
·                Normally, sanction/rejection will be communicated within 15 days of receipt duly completed application with supporting documents.
·                In the normal course, while appraising the loan, the future income prospect of the student only will be looked into.
·                Rejection of loan application, if any, shall be done with the concurrence of the controlling authority of the branch concerned and conveyed to the student stating reason for rejection.
·                Students may submit their loan applications either at the bank branches near to the residence of parents or to the educational institution.  However, after the loan is sanctioned, the cases be transferred to the bank branch near to the institution for follow up with student / institution.  The KYC compliance for the purpose has to be done by the branch nearest to the residence of  parents.
·                The loan to be disbursed in stages as per the requirement/ demand directly to the Institutions/ Vendors of  equipments/ instruments to the extent possible.

10.          REPAYMENT:
Repayment    holiday/Moratorium
Course period + 1 year or 6 months after getting job, whichever is earlier.
If the student is not able to complete the course within the scheduled time, extension of time for completion of course may be permitted for a maximum period of 2 years. If the student is not able to complete the course for reasons beyond his control, sanctioning authority may at his discretion consider such extensions as may be deemed necessary to complete the course. In case the student discontinues the course midway, appropriate repayment schedule will be worked out by the bank in consultation with the student/parent
·         The accrued interest during the repayment holiday period to be added to    the principal and repayment in Equated Monthly Instalments (EMI) fixed.
·         1% interest concession may be provided by the bank,  if  interest is serviced during  the  study   period  and   subsequent  moratorium  period  prior  to commencement of repayment. Repayment of the loan will be in equated monthly instalments for periods as under:
For loans upto ₹ 7.5 lakhs                - upto 10 years 
For loans above ₹ 7.5 lakhs              -  upto  15 years

·           While EMI based repayment is the generally accepted practice, many times the salary levels at the start of the career may not facilitate comfortable payment of EMI in certain cases (e.g. professionals like Doctors). Telescoping of repayment with stepped up instalments with passage of time may be considered in such cases.
Note: No prepayment penalty will be levied for prepayment of  loan any time during the repayment period.

11.              INSURANCE
Banks may, with the consent of the student, arrange for life insurance policy on the students availing Education Loan. Individual Banks may work out the modalities with insurance companies. 

12.       FOLLOW UP/MONITORING:
Banks to contact college / university authorities to obtain  progress report on the student at regular intervals in respect of those who have availed loans. In case of studies abroad, bank may obtain the SSN/Unique Identification Number (UIN)/Identity Card and note the same in the bank’s records. The UID number issued by UIDIA may also be captured in bank’s system as and when available. Banks to enter into Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the educational institutions to provide the educational loans to the students.  There should be an annual review of the asset quality of educational loans between banks and educational institution.

13.       PROCESSING CHARGES :
No processing / upfront charges may be levied on loans sanctioned under the scheme. (Banks may charge processing fee for considering loans for studies abroad. The fee would however, be refunded upon the student taking up the course)

14.              CAPABILITY CERTIFICATE:
Banks can also issue the capability certificate for students going abroad for higher studies. For this purpose financial and other supporting documents may be obtained from applicant, if required.
(Some of the foreign universities require the students to submit a certificate from their bankers about the sponsors' solvency/ financial capability, with a view to ensure that the sponsors of the students going abroad for higher studies are capable of meeting the expenses till completion of studies.)

15.              OTHER CONDITIONS:
15.1 Sanction of loan to more than one child from the same family
Existence of an earlier education loan to the brother(s) and/or sister(s) will not affect the eligibility of another meritorious student from the same family obtaining education loan as per this scheme from the bank.
15.2  Minimum Age
There is no specific restriction with regard to the age of the student to be eligible for education loan. However, if the student was a minor while the parent executed
documents for the loan, the bank will obtain a letter of ratification from him/her upon attaining majority.
15.3 Top up loans
Banks may consider top up loans to students pursuing further studies within the overall eligibility limit, if such further studies are commenced during the moratorium period of the first loan.  The repayment of the loan will commence after the completion of the second course and further moratorium period, as provided under the scheme. 
15.4 Joint Borrower
The joint borrower should normally be parent(s)/guardian of the student borrower. In case of a married person, joint borrower can be either spouse or the parent(s)/parents-in-law.

No Due Certificate

No due certificate will not be insisted upon as a pre-condition for considering education loan. However, banks may obtain a declaration/ an affidavit confirming that no loans are availed from other banks.

Disposal of loan application
Loan applications have to be disposed of in the normal course within a period of 15 days to 1 month, but not exceeding the time norms stipulated for disposing of loan applications under priority sector lending.

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