Tue Nov 12 15:04:46 UTC 2024: ## Salem District Sets Ambitious ₹99 Crore Educational Loan Target for 7,000 Students
**Salem, November 12, 2024:** The Salem District Collector, R. Brindha Devi, has announced an ambitious target of ₹99 crore to be distributed as education loans to 7,000 students in the district for the academic year 2024-25. The announcement was made at a meeting held recently at the Salem Collectorate, where Corporation Councillors were briefed on the loan scheme and how to access it through the Vidya Lakshmi Portal.
The Collector emphasized that financial constraints should not hinder students from pursuing their academic aspirations. Salem district, which boasts 153 government and private colleges and 47 banks with 501 branches, is committed to facilitating access to education.
The district administration has already held meetings with bank managers and college principals to ensure a smooth implementation of the initiative. Corporation Councillors from all 60 wards have been tasked with promoting awareness about the loan scheme among students in their areas.
The loan scheme is open to students pursuing diploma or ITI courses after Class X, undergraduates after Class XII, as well as first- to fourth-year college students and postgraduate students. The Collector reiterated the district administration’s unwavering support for students’ educational ambitions.
Salem Corporation Mayor A. Ramachandran, Corporation Commissioner Ranjeet Singh, Deputy Mayor M. Saradha Devi, and officials from relevant departments were also present at the meeting.
First Piper 