Odia IITian finds himself on verge of dropping out!

Gajapati: An Odia student of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur who once brought laurels to the backward district of Gajapati for being the first student to grab a seat in the prestigious institution is now considering quitting his studies after failing to get an educational loan from the government.

As per sources, Rajendra Kumar Kumbha of Rempi village under Rayagad block of Gajapati district has decided to leave his higher education due to his financial instability.

Rajendra had admitted himself to Kharagpur IIT a year back even though he was financially unsound, keeping in mind the Kalinga Siksha Sathi Yojana (KSSY) under which the state government provides educational loan at 1 per cent interest to students for pursuing higher studies.

However, after completing his first year, when he approached for KSSY loans, the banks said that they are unaware about such a scheme.

Now having already incurred debts of more than a lakh and unable to sustain study expenses any more, Rajendra is considering to leave studies and help his father in managing the house.

"I do not have anyone to support me financially. I have already taken a loan of more than one lakh from the bank," said Rajendra.

"Although the Odisha Government has launched KSSY scheme to extend loans to students for higher studies, banks have denied help," Rajendra alleged.

On the other hand, the district administration has assured Rajendra of financial help to continue his studies.

"It is a matter of pride for the district that a youth from Gajapati has got a seat in Kharagpur IIT. We will definitely ensure that he receives aid from various scholarships and programmes of the State Government to continue his higher studies," said Parlakhemundi Sub Collector Ranjan Kumar Biswal.