BLL

"Bidya Lakshmi" aims to provide education loans for higher studies to children of Assam State Government employees. Benefits include loans up to ₹10,00,000/- at 4% interest, with subsidies for eligible candidates.

Launched in 2016-17, the scheme "Bidya Lakshmi" by the Finance (Audit & Fund) Department, Government of Assam aims to provide higher education loans for the children of regular State Government employees in Assam under the Uecha Siksha Hitoishona Achani (USHA) for Karmachari. The scheme offers loans ranging from ₹5,00,000/- to ₹10,00,000/- at an interest rate of 4%, with additional benefits for employees under the Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS). Eligible courses include professional and technical programs in India and abroad, such as Engineering, Medical, Management, and Doctorate programs. The scheme is implemented by the State Bank of India (SBI), with designated branches across all districts and civil sub-divisions.

> For the Parent

• The parent should be a regular, in-service State Government Employee of Assam.
• The parent should have at least 5 years of residual pensionable service.
• The employees with annual income exceeding ₹4,50,000/- can avail up to ₹10,00,000/-.
• The employees with annual income up to ₹4,50,000/- are eligible under CLSS.
• The employee must have a salary account with check-off facility (for EMI deductions).
• The employee must be a co-borrower in the loan application. The employee’s name must be included in the loan application alongside the child (the student).

> For the Child

• The child must be admitted to a technical/higher educational institution recognized by UGC (University Grants Commission)/ AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education)/ Government-approved colleges/universities in Assam or anywhere in India/ Premier institutions (for studies abroad).

• The child must be pursuing one of the following approved courses:

In India: Engineering, Medical, Agriculture, Veterinary, Law, Dental, Management, Computer Science, Chartered Accountancy (CA), Cost and Management Accountancy (ICWA), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Master of Computer Applications (MCA), Master of Science (MS), Graduation in professional/technical courses, Doctorate (PhD).

Abroad: Courses conducted by premier institutions like CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, London) or CPA (Certified Public Accountant, USA).

• The child must be a co-borrower in the loan application. The child’s name must be included in the loan application alongside the parent (government employee).

• The State Government provides a loan of ₹5,00,000/- to ₹10,00,000/- at an interest rate of 4%.
• Employees with an annual salary income exceeding ₹4,50,000/- can avail up to ₹10,00,000/- at 4% interest after State Government interest subvention.
• Employees with annual income up to ₹4,50,000/- are eligible under the Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS), with 100% subsidy during the moratorium period (course period plus one year). Post-moratorium, the effective interest rate is 4%.
• Loans can be used for course fees, books, computers, educational equipment, and travel expenses (for studies abroad).
• No collateral security or third-party guarantee is required for loans up to ₹10,00,000/-.
• Life insurance policy option available to cover the loan amount.
• Tax rebate under Section 80(E) of the Indian Income Tax Act.

> Mode of Disbursement

The loan amount is transferred directly to the educational institution’s account (not to the parent/student). It covers Tuition fees, books, computers, equipment, and travel (for abroad studies). The amount is disbursed in lump sum or installments, as per the institution’s fee structure.

> Frequency of Disbursement

Interest is charged monthly, and subsidy amounts are credited back to the individual account upon claim clearance.

> Conditions for Disbursement

The utilization certificate must be submitted at the end of the financial year.