Madhya Pradesh Disburses ₹239 Crore Laptop Aid to 94,234 Class 12 Toppers Under Pratibhashali Vidyarthi Protsahan Yojana

The Madhya Pradesh government has rolled out an ambitious financial aid scheme to reward high-performing Class 12 students in a robust step toward digital empowerment and recognition of academic excellence. Under the Pratibhashali Vidyarthi Protsahan Yojana, the state will distribute ₹25,000 each to 94,234 students who scored 75% or more in the MP Board Class 12 examinations. The financial aid, totalling ₹238.98 crore, is being transferred directly to students’ bank accounts to help them purchase laptops.

The state-level distribution ceremony is being held in Bhopal on July 4, with Chief Minister Mohan Yadav presiding over the event. This initiative is one of the most significant single-day disbursements for educational aid in the state’s history and represents the government’s strategic focus on digital learning and youth development.

A Vision for a Digitally Empowered Generation

Announcing the scheme on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, CM Mohan Yadav said,

“On July 4, we will extend financial incentives of ₹25,000 each to 94,234 students who have scored 75 percent or above in the Class 12 MP Board examinations.”

He added that this move reflects the state’s commitment to nurturing a digitally empowered generation capable of driving India’s development goals. The initiative also aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision, which promotes a broader Digital India vision, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, promoting digital literacy and technology-enabled education.

Transparent Direct Benefit Transfer Model

Its Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism sets this initiative apart. Each eligible student will receive ₹25,000 directly into their bank account, allowing them the flexibility to purchase a laptop that best suits their academic and technological needs.

This model ensures:

• Full transparency in fund disbursement
• Elimination of middlemen or logistical bottlenecks
• Flexibility and autonomy for students in choosing their devices

It is a student-centric approach that moves away from centralized hardware procurement and instead focuses on individual choice and empowerment.

Historical Perspective and Scale-Up in 2025

The Pratibhashali Vidyarthi Protsahan Yojana has been operational since 2009–10, and in the last 15 years, it has benefitted over 4.3 lakh students. With a total investment exceeding ₹1,080 crore, the scheme has consistently aimed to encourage academic achievement and promote access to digital resources.

In 2024, 89,710 students received aid under the program. However, the 2025 edition marks a significant scale-up in both reach and budget. The number of beneficiaries has increased to 94,234, and the budget allocation has expanded to ₹238.98 crore, reflecting the government’s more substantial commitment to inclusive and accessible digital education.

Eligibility Criteria: Inclusive and Equitable

The scheme's eligibility is inclusive, catering to both regular and self-taught students from government and recognised private schools across Madhya Pradesh.

Key criteria include:

• General category students must score 75% or above
• SC/ST students qualify with 65% or above

This differential threshold ensures equity while maintaining a focus on academic merit. It acknowledges systemic disparities and ensures that deserving students from marginalised communities benefit from the program.

State’s Long-Term Vision for Digital Literacy

The laptop assistance scheme is a reward mechanism and a strategic investment in the state’s digital future. By enabling access to personal computing devices, the government is:

• Encouraging online learning and digital coursework
• Supporting students’ transition to higher education
• Facilitating skill development in areas like coding, data analysis, and research
• Ensuring students are prepared for technology-driven careers

The program bridges academic success and digital empowerment, two crucial pillars in 21st-century education.

Complementing National Goals Under Digital India

The scheme aligns well with the central government’s Digital India campaign, which emphasizes:

• Bridging the digital divide
• Promoting e-governance and digital infrastructure
• Enhancing digital literacy, especially among youth

Madhya Pradesh’s model reflects these national goals at the state level, and its effective implementation makes it a potential template for other states seeking to integrate technology into education policies.

Administrative Efficiency and Timely Execution

One of the scheme's hallmarks is the timely disbursement and transparent selection process. With no delays in fund transfers, students can immediately begin shopping for laptops tailored to their academic and career needs.

The State Education Department coordinated with MPBSE and financial institutions to ensure accurate beneficiary identification and hassle-free DBT implementation.

This administrative efficiency enhances the scheme’s credibility and sets a high governance benchmark for similar education-oriented initiatives.

Conclusion

The Madhya Pradesh government's laptop aid under the Pratibhashali Vidyarthi Protsahan Yojana 2025 is a landmark move in the intersection of education, digital empowerment, and governance. With ₹239 crore disbursed to 94,234 meritorious students, the initiative underscores the state's vision of building a technology-driven, skilled youth population.

By promoting digital inclusion, encouraging academic excellence, and ensuring flexibility in how students use their benefits, the program stands out as a model of inclusive education policy in India.