Bihar Vidhansabha Monsoon Session: JDU MLA Rituraj Kumar Raises Student Credit Card Crisis, Seeks Immediate Government Intervention

Bihar Student Credit Card: The second day of the Bihar Assembly's Monsoon Session witnessed intense discussions as MLAs from across the state raised constituency-specific issues, with ministers responding to several concerns. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also intervened on multiple occasions, assuring the House that the government would address important public grievances.

Among the legislators who drew attention was Ghosi MLA Rituraj Kumar, known for consistently raising well-researched issues concerning his constituency and the people of Bihar. His interventions reflected detailed groundwork and a strong commitment to public service, a quality often noted by observers during Assembly proceedings.

Rituraj Kumar raised the growing crisis surrounding Bihar's Student Credit Card Scheme, highlighting that thousands of students pursuing higher education are facing severe financial hardship due to delays in the disbursement of education loans.

The scheme, launched under the Saat Nischay initiative to ensure that no student discontinues education due to financial constraints, was initially implemented through banks. Later, loan disbursement was shifted to the Bihar State Education Finance Corporation Limited (BSEFCL) to streamline the process.

However, according to the MLA, installment payments to educational institutions have not been released this academic year, leaving thousands of students unable to pay their fees. As a result, many are receiving notices from colleges and universities, with examinations, admissions, and even degrees at risk.

Students across several districts have reportedly raised complaints. Speaking to Ranjan Kumar, a student from Muzaffarpur, said, "We are facing serious problems because our loan installments have not reached our institutions. Many students are worried about their future."

According to information presented, over 51,000 applicants across Bihar are currently unable to avail the benefits of the Student Credit Card Scheme. Technical issues have also reportedly prevented new applications from being submitted through the portal, forcing students and parents to make repeated visits to District Registration and Counselling Centres (DRCCs).

Rituraj Kumar urged the government to resolve the technical and administrative bottlenecks at the earliest and ensure immediate release of pending funds so that deserving students do not lose an academic year because of financial delays.

The issue received significant attention during the Monsoon Session, underscoring growing concerns over higher education financing in Bihar and the urgent need for timely implementation of welfare schemes.