NO

Misuse of opportunity

I think that instead of cancelling it completely, the repayment of debt time frame can be increased, if necessary, because complete cancellation may lead to misuse of opportunity. Also, the thought that the loan has to be repaid creates a sense of responsibility and duty to work hard persistently — to be in a position to afford a decent standard of living and, thereby, have the capability to repay the debt. Repayment of loan will also act as an incentive for the issuers of such loans to help the meritorious students who lack the financial strength to fulfil their dreams.

Suparni Haldar,

Third year, St. Xavier’s University, Calcutta

No taxpayer bailouts

Student loan debt discharge would encourage borrowers to abuse the loan system. It will give people an impetus to take out loans with no intention of paying them back or even to borrow more than they actually need. Borrowing is a choice — personal responsibilities should in no case be supplemented by taxpayer bailouts. So, cancelling student loan debt is poorly targeted and will invariably benefit those wealthy student borrowers who do not need their loans cancelled. Moreover, cancelling debt now will be very unfair to those who have paid off their loans in spite of facing numerous financial challenges and have demonstrated their sense of responsibility.

Mounisha Saha,

Class XI, Rose Bank Edu-Care High School, Madhyamgram

Readjust terms and conditions

If a bright and diligent student is unable to pursue higher studies due to monetary constraints, he or she should be provided the aid of an education loan. However, if he or she finds it difficult to pay back the loan within the stipulated time, then either the term should be extended or the repayment amount could be cut down as humanitarian assistance.

Shuvayan De,

Second year, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Centenary College, Rahara

Negative impact

No, I disagree. If a student who has the burden of a loan gets to know that the debt has been cancelled, he or will lose the drive to work hard. The burden compels one to work hard to reach a position where he or she can relieve oneself of this pressure. And not dealing with this pressure will leave a negative impact — in future, whenever he or she takes out a loan or borrows something, the person will not have the mindset to work hard enough to pay it off.

Hrishiraj Nandi,

Third year, Serampore College, Serampore

No service on platter

Student loans are provided to the meritorious who can repay when they start earning. It would be a major pocket pinch on the providers if fees are to be served on a platter when the benefits are going to be personal.

Harsh Nathani,

First year, The Bhowanipur Education Society College, Calcutta

Confident borrow

There may be students who cannot repay the loan. But, usually, only those who think they can repay, borrow. Financially weaker people do not go in for loans.

Ahona Sanyal,

Class VIII, Sarat Kumari Girls’ High School, Shantipur

YES

Stressful in Covid-19 times

The Covid-19-related economic crisis has taken away many jobs. The loan burden can be stressful and lead to extreme steps. But not all debts need to be cancelled — authorities should verify the situation of a student and cancel the debt accordingly.

Srinjan Das,

Class VIII, B.D.M. International, Calcutta

NEXT ISSUE: Vaccine inequity is responsible for new Covid-19 strains

Have a strong view on this? Write in with your phone number, address, school/college and year to telegraphyou@gmail.com. The best answers will be printed here