MP Govt Scraps Stitched Uniform Plan, To Use DBT

The Madhya Pradesh school education department has decided to discontinue the distribution of stitched uniforms to government school students. Instead, the department will transfer uniform assistance directly into students' bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

This decision was made during a review meeting held on Tuesday, where school education minister Uday Pratap Singh directed officials to begin preparations for implementing the DBT-based system. The move follows the directions of chief minister Mohan Yadav.

According to UDISE+ 2025-26 data, there are 56,62,228 students enrolled in Class 1 to 8 in government schools in Madhya Pradesh. The decision to switch to DBT comes amid uncertainty surrounding the state's latest uniform procurement process.

In June, the Cabinet had approved the distribution of stitched uniforms to government school students from Class 1 to 8, replacing the earlier Rs 600 clothing allowance. However, the Madhya Pradesh High Court imposed an interim stay on the tender for supplying uniforms, which was worth around Rs 350 crore.

The uniform assistance scheme has undergone several changes in the past. Initially, students received cash assistance to purchase uniforms. The government then shifted to direct distribution of uniforms, but complaints about incorrect sizes and irregularities prompted a return to cash transfers in 2019.

In 2023-24, the government again adopted the uniform distribution model, this time through Self-Help Groups (SHGs). However, complaints of poor fabric quality and delayed delivery continued, and distribution had not even started in several districts by February 2024.

The department subsequently decided to transfer uniform assistance directly into students' bank accounts through DBT. In 2024-25, about 54 lakh students received uniform assistance through the DBT system.

The switch to DBT is expected to benefit students and their families, who will now receive the uniform assistance directly into their bank accounts. This move is also expected to reduce irregularities and complaints associated with the uniform distribution process.

The Madhya Pradesh government's decision to use DBT for uniform assistance is a significant step towards streamlining the process and ensuring that students receive the assistance they need. The move is also expected to have a positive impact on the education sector in the state.

In conclusion, the Madhya Pradesh government's decision to scrap the stitched uniform distribution plan and use DBT instead is a welcome move. It is expected to benefit students and their families, and reduce irregularities and complaints associated with the uniform distribution process.

The use of DBT for uniform assistance is also expected to have a positive impact on the education sector in Madhya Pradesh. The move is a significant step towards streamlining the process and ensuring that students receive the assistance they need.

The decision to use DBT is a result of the government's efforts to improve the education system in the state. The government has been working to address the issues associated with the uniform distribution process, and the switch to DBT is a significant step in this direction.

Overall, the Madhya Pradesh government's decision to use DBT for uniform assistance is a positive move that is expected to benefit students and their families. The move is also expected to have a positive impact on the education sector in the state, and is a significant step towards streamlining the process and ensuring that students receive the assistance they need.