BHOPAL: From the Madhya Pradesh government to individuals and private firms, help poured in on Sunday for the Bhopal Class X topper, a Covid orphan who was getting recovery notices from LIC for a home loan her late father had taken.
TOI had reported on Sunday how, despite losing both her parents to Covid last year, she scored 99. 8% in her board exams, but her courageous fight to ‘stand tall’ was hit by the loan repayment notices.
LIC issued a statement on Sunday that the loan recovery notices “were sent as per company norms”, and said that she and her family wouldn’t get any more notices. Bhopal collector Avinash Lavania spoke with the family and assured them that the administration would discuss with LIC officials ways to help the 17-year-old, who also has a little brother to take care of. Social media platforms were abuzz with the TOI report and people from across the country offered to help. Many suggested there should be a policy to help out children in such a predicament. Several offered to pay off the loan or sponsor her education.
The spirited schoolgirl said, “I am overwhelmed by the support from across the country. I hope the support from the government and people will help me overcome this crisis. ” Her maternal uncle, Prof Ashok Sharma, who is now her guardian, said, “This outpouring of support and care is incredible. People have been calling since morning to support her. It will be a big help if we get some relaxation from LIC in loan repayment. ”
In its statement, LIC said it had informed the family through a letter on April 11, 2022, that no further notices would be sent and that it is ready to provide the necessary support for closure of loans.
I want to move on, says girl
The schoolgirl and her family, however, told TOI that they hadn’t received any such letter from LIC.
The LIC statement said that relatives of the girl had visited the office and informed them about demise of the children’s parents. “LICHFL office expressed full sympathy towards grieved family and assured the institution will not initiate any further proceedings and would provide all the necessary support for the closure of loans,” it said. A letter attached with the statement is dated April 11, 2022, but is unsigned and carries a handwritten note that said ‘as informed by LICHFL sent through courier dated 11.04.2021’. When TOI asked officials, they said LIC “normally LIC does not send signed letters”.
The girl told TOI that they haven’t got any such relaxation letter. “Even if they do not send the letter today, what will happen when they start sending the recovery notices after a year? I am in class 12. I want to make my career in IIT or crack UPSC, which was my parents’ dream. I want to move on,” she said.
