WELFARE SCHEME : ECONOMY

NEWS: Minister launches revamped Model Skill Loan Scheme

 

 WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?

 

Original Scheme: Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme for Skill Development

  • Launch: November 2015
  • Purpose: Create a credit guarantee fund for courses aligned to the National Skills Qualification Framework.

 

 

 Challenges:

  • Low fund utilization: ₹115.75 crore loans to only 10,077 borrowers as of March 31.
  • Low loan limit: Up to ₹1.5 lakh, insufficient due to rising course costs and fees.
  • Limited lending institutions: Only Indian Banking Association (IBA) member banks could lend, leading to low uptake.

 

New Scheme Changes:

  • Expanded Lending Network: Includes Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and small finance banks, in addition to IBA member banks.
  • Increased Loan Limits: Higher loan amounts to cover more skill courses.

 Source: https://epaper.thehindu.com/ccidist-ws/th/th_delhi/issues/92412/OPS/GFID3UN7J.1+GF2D417MQ.1.html