Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojna (PM-AJAY)

Key Highlights:

• Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) is a 100% centrally sponsored scheme launched in FY 2021-22.
• It aims for socio-economic and educational empowerment of Scheduled Castes (SCs) through a comprehensive and integrated approach.
• The scheme merges three erstwhile centrally sponsored schemes: Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY), Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Castes Sub Plan (SCA to SCSP), and Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojana (BJRCY).
• Implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, its objectives include poverty reduction, improved socio-economic indicators, and increased literacy among SCs.
• A PM-AJAY Mobile App and Portal have been launched for expedited and quality implementation.
• Over 47,000 villages have been covered under the "Adarsh Gram" component, with 18,093 declared as such by September 2026.
• More than ₹1,730 crore has been released as Grants-in-Aid from FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26, benefiting over 2.5 lakh individuals and groups.

Detailed Insights:

• The scheme addresses historical barriers faced by SCs, promoting social justice, equal opportunity, and broader participation in India's development.
• Objectives include generating additional employment opportunities for SC communities through skill development and income-generating schemes.
• It seeks to bridge critical developmental gaps by ensuring adequate infrastructure and requisite services in SC-dominated areas.
• The scheme aims to increase SC literacy and school enrollment by providing adequate residential facilities in quality institutions and residential schools.
• Eligibility for grants-in-aid prioritizes families with an annual income not exceeding ₹2.50 lakh.
• Villages with 40% or more SC population and a total population of 500 or more are eligible for infrastructure development.
• The "Adarsh Gram" component transforms SC-majority villages by filling critical gaps in infrastructure and services to create model villages.
• Grants-in-aid support comprehensive livelihood projects, infrastructure creation, and residential schools at district/state levels.
• Construction and repair of 785 student hostels have been completed to enable and encourage SC students to attain quality education.
• The scheme is 100% centrally funded, with states/UTs having the option to supplement resources.
• Digital tools like the PM-AJAY Mobile App and Portal enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in programme implementation.
• PM-AJAY plays a significant role in advancing the socio-economic and educational empowerment of SC communities towards Viksit Bharat @2047.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY): A centrally sponsored scheme for the socio-economic and educational empowerment of Scheduled Castes.
• Centrally Sponsored Scheme: A scheme where the Central Government provides a significant portion or the entire funding to states for specific development programs.
• Adarsh Gram: A model village envisioned with all essential infrastructure and universal access to basic services for dignified living.
• Scheduled Castes (SCs): A group of historically disadvantaged communities in India recognized by the Constitution for affirmative action.