In a state where financial constraints have often forced students from poor families to drop out after school, Madhya Pradesh is now changing the script. Thanks to the state government’s Sambal Yojana, children of daily wage earners and economically weaker sections can now earn a college degree for just ₹10. The initiative, launched by the Madhya Pradesh Higher Education Department, aims to make higher education truly accessible for all.
A Scheme That Covers Everything
Sambal Yojana is targeted at students whose families are registered labourers. By paying just ₹10 at the time of admission, students can secure a place in college. The state government then directly transfers the rest of the academic expenses—including tuition fees, books, and other essentials—into the college’s account. Students must hold a Sambal Card, which can be obtained from their local Gram Panchayat or through an online registration process.
“This scheme has been transformative,” says Dr Anand Tiwari, Principal of Girls’ College in Sagar. “It’s enabling children who never imagined attending college to now sit in classrooms, build careers, and dream bigger. The government is covering every cost after the symbolic ₹10 admission fee.”
Support Beyond One Scheme
The Sambal Yojana isn’t the only initiative benefitting students from vulnerable backgrounds. The state is also running other programs such as the Medhavi Vidyarthi Yojana for academically bright students and the Covid-19 Bal Kalyan Yojana for children who lost parents during the pandemic. These programs ensure that no deserving student is denied the opportunity to continue their education due to financial hardship.
Still, there are students who may not qualify under these schemes. For them, many colleges have stepped up. Dr Tiwari mentions that their college helps around 60 students every year through the Jan Bhagidari Samiti, a public contribution committee that covers full educational expenses for those falling outside government eligibility criteria.
What once seemed like an impossible dream for the children of labourers and marginalized communities in Madhya Pradesh is now a tangible reality. With just ₹10, many are stepping into a college campus for the first time, finding not just an education but a pathway to a better life.
