The Delhi government’s higher education loan guarantee scheme on Friday became the latest flashpoint between the Aam Aadmi Party dispensation and Lieutenant-Governor Anil Baijal, with the former accusing the latter of “blocking” the programme.
Instructions
Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who is also Education and Finance Minister, said Mr. Baijal’s office had instructed the government to seek the “opinion” of the relevant Central government ministry through the Home Affairs Ministry.
Mr. Sisodia said the scheme, through which the government takes the guarantee for education loans of up to ₹10 lakh each, had come to a halt with the Lieutenant-Governor’s decision. This isn’t the first time the scheme, which was launched in 2015, has faced hurdles. Mr. Sisodia said former Lieutenant-Governor Najeeb Jung had also returned the file since it did not have his approval earlier.
Scope of scheme
“This year, we expanded the scope of the scheme to include loans for institutes outside Delhi as well and sent the file to the L-G again. But, we have been asked to consult the Centre, which means that students will not be able to avail of the benefits,” said Mr. Sisodia.
He said “political rivalry”, referring to the BJP in the Centre, was acceptable, but “what is the rivalry with students?” He added that the L-G had not raised any specific objections to the scheme.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also weighed in, tweeting: “LG Sir, its our duty to ensure best quality education to poor kids also. They too deserve it. Education Loan wud ensure that [sic].”
Reservations expressed
Meanwhile, a Raj Niwas spokesperson said Mr. Baijal has “always supported such initiatives”.
With regard to the loan guarantee scheme, the Law Department had expressed certain reservations so the L-G had advised the Education Department to consult the Central ministry concerned as it could have experience with similar schemes in order to avoid any future legal or financial complications, said the spokesperson. The L-G has not rejected the scheme, the spokesperson reiterated.