Gujarat Loan Helps Student Build Career in Canada

The family’s situation became more difficult in 2019 when his father, Rakeshkumar, died in a road accident. His mother, Prital Panchal, was left with the responsibility of supporting her two sons. According to the family, Rakeshkumar had wanted his elder son to study abroad and build a successful career. Prital continued to work toward that goal.

She approached several private banks for assistance but could not secure adequate support because of the family’s financial position and guarantee requirements. She later learnt about the state government’s Overseas Study Loan Scheme for SEBC students, contacted the District Social Welfare Officer, Developing Castes, Narmada, and submitted the required documents. After the process was completed, the government sanctioned an education loan of Rs 15 lakh at an interest rate of four per cent.

The assistance enabled Ratranshu to enrol for a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Windsor in Canada. He completed the course with strong results, the family said, and is now working as a mechanical engineer in the corporate sector in Canada.

“It was my dream to pursue higher studies abroad, but the financial situation was the biggest challenge. Through the Gujarat Government’s Overseas Study Loan Scheme, I received assistance of Rs 15 lakh, which made it possible for me to complete my master’s studies. I sincerely thank the Gujarat Government and the Social Justice and Empowerment Department,” Ratranshu said.

Prital said the scheme had helped the family overcome a barrier that might otherwise have blocked her son’s chosen path. “There were many challenges in life after my husband’s death. But this government scheme proved to be a blessing for us. If this loan had not been available, it would not have been possible to fulfil my husband’s dream,” she said.

The family’s younger son, Om Panchal, is pursuing higher studies at GSFC University in Vadodara. Prital has urged other parents facing financial constraints not to give up on their children’s education and to seek information on welfare schemes at the District Seva Sadan, the Collector’s Office, or the office of the District Social Welfare Officer, Developing Castes.

The Overseas Study Loan Scheme is implemented by the state’s Social Justice and Empowerment Department for eligible SEBC students pursuing higher education abroad. In Ratranshu’s case, the loan provided the support needed to complete his overseas degree and move into employment in his field.