1. Overseas Education Loan Rate: A landmark 0.25% interest (quarter rate) for all students pursuing graduation or post-graduation abroad.
2. Government Guarantee: The State Government will act as guarantor for the loans, eliminating student restrictions.
3. Repayment Period: Students will have 14 years to repay the loan.
4. Premier Indian Institutions: Students admitted to IITs, IIMs, and NEET qualifiers will receive loans at a subsidized 4% interest.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has announced a landmark initiative to provide affordable education loans at just a quarter rate of interest (0.25%) to all students aspiring to study abroad. The State Government will act as guarantor for these loans, allowing students to repay them over a 14-year period.

Reviewing welfare departments on Monday, the Chief Minister directed officials to prepare a comprehensive scheme ensuring that any student wishing to pursue graduation or post-graduation overseas can access bank loans without restrictions. The scheme will also cover students admitted to premier Indian institutions such as IITs, IIMs, and those qualifying through NEET, with loans extended at 4% interest.

He also instructed officials to establish coaching centres in two regions of the state to support BC students preparing for IIT and NEET examinations. “Every student should have wings to chase their dreams. Education is the surest path to opportunity,” Naidu said.

The CM further ordered a study on converting all existing hostels into residential schools to ensure quality education. He emphasized the need for improved infrastructure and hygiene in SC, ST, and BC hostels, directing that repairs be completed within a year. Notably, he approved the upgrade of Nasannakota and Atmakur BC girls’ schools into junior colleges at a cost of Rs 2.65 crore.

Naidu also announced that school maintenance and toilet upkeep funds would be released from the Thalliki Vandhanam scheme, and stressed that all residential schools should adopt solar power to cut energy costs. Officials reported that the previous government failed to release ₹1,700 crore in fee reimbursement, leaving students to bear Rs 900 crore directly. Nearly Rs 800 crore still remains to be cleared to colleges.

On the welfare front, the CM directed that the “One Family-One Entrepreneur” initiative be implemented by welfare departments to empower disadvantaged communities economically. He highlighted the need for modernization in caste-based professions, suggesting tools like LPG-based ironing boxes for washermen and encouraging fisherfolk to explore new avenues like seaweed cultivation.

He also ordered that BCs continue to enjoy 34% reservation in local bodies without legal hurdles and pressed for the speedy completion of BC Bhavans in Nellore, Eluru, and Kurnool. “Every welfare measure must translate into real empowerment,” Naidu said, urging officials to ensure equal justice to all communities.