Education loan denied - fast observed

[sajiv]

For loan: A fast observed by students along with their family members in front of Dharmapuri Collectorate on Monday.

DHARMAPURI: The Secondary Grade Teacher Training students began a relay fast along with their family members near the Collectorate here on Monday in protest against non-sanctioning of education loan by a public sector bank.

M. Veerammal, M. Sudha and K. Priyanka, studying in a teachers' training school in Karnataka, approached the Dharmapuri branch of the Union Bank of India for education loan for Rs. 1, 39,000, Rs. 68,000 and Rs. 60,000 respectively but was denied.

The bank manager, S.R. Balasubramaniyam, told The Hindu that according to Regional Office instructions and IBA guidelines, the bank can extend loan to cover the tuition fees of Rs. 2,975 and hostel and mess bill. But the students wanted loan to the full amount and on the spot.

"I shall do whatever possible after consulting higher officials," he added.