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23 Apr

IN NEWS: CM Credits Sambal Scheme as Lifeline for Workers in Madhya Pradesh


Introduction

The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Mohan Yadav, highlighted the Sambal Scheme as a crucial social security mechanism for labourers, emphasizing its role in providing financial assistance, crisis support, and direct benefit transfers to workers across the state.


ANALYSIS

Sambal Scheme as a Social Security Backbone

The Sambal Scheme (launched in 2018) has emerged as a lifeline for unorganized sector workers, reflecting the state’s commitment to inclusive welfare and socio-economic security. The scheme primarily targets labourers and economically vulnerable sections, ensuring support during distress situations such as death or accidents.The Chief Minister stated that the scheme embodies the ethos of “serving humanity”, aligning with broader goals of social justice and welfare governance.


Financial Assistance and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)

A key feature of the scheme is the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism, which ensures:

  • Transparency and efficiency in fund disbursement
  • Reduction in leakages
  • Immediate financial support to beneficiaries

Recently, an amount of ₹175 crore was directly transferred into the accounts of 7,953 workers, demonstrating the scheme’s operational effectiveness.


Scale and Coverage

  • Over 1.77 crore workers registered under the scheme
  • Continuous expansion with ongoing registrations
  • Since inception (2018):
    • ₹7,000+ crore disbursed
    • 7.6 lakh+ cases benefited

This indicates the scheme’s wide outreach and sustained fiscal commitment.


Integration with Health Security

Beneficiaries of the Sambal Scheme are also linked with Ayushman Bharat Niramyam Scheme, which provides:

  • Free medical treatment up to ₹5 lakh
  • Strengthening the health security dimension of the scheme

Inclusion of Gig and Platform Workers

A significant reform has been the inclusion of gig and platform workers (since March 2024), expanding the scope of the scheme to:

  • Delivery workers
  • App-based service providers

This reflects adaptation to the changing nature of labour markets and recognition of the gig economy.


Crisis Support Mechanism

The scheme provides ex-gratia assistance in cases of:

  • Death
  • Accidents

This ensures social protection for families, reducing vulnerability and economic shocks.


Governance Perspective

The Sambal Scheme represents:

  • A move towards targeted welfare delivery
  • Strengthening of DBT architecture
  • Integration of health + social security benefits
  • Focus on unorganized labour sector, often excluded from formal safety nets

STATIC PART

Sambal Scheme (Madhya Pradesh)

  • Launch Year: 2018
  • Target Group: Unorganized sector workers
  • Key Features:
    • Direct financial assistance
    • Ex-gratia support during crises
    • Integration with health schemes
  • Recent Expansion: Inclusion of gig and platform workers (2024)

Institutional Involvement

  • State Government of Madhya Pradesh
  • Labour & Rural Development Department (mentioned presence of minister Prahlad Patel)

Conclusion

The Sambal Scheme exemplifies a comprehensive welfare model, combining financial inclusion, health security, and labour protection. Its expansion to gig workers and continued fiscal support underline its importance as a dynamic and evolving social safety net in Madhya Pradesh.


**Updated - 09 September 2025 ; 03:51 PM | News Source: **

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