The Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) is a fully funded program launched by the Government of India in the 2021-22 financial year.
Its goal is to improve the socio-economic status of Scheduled Castes (SC) communities.
Key Objectives of PM-AJAY YOJNA
- Reduce poverty among SC communities by creating more jobs and developing skills.
- Promote the development of SC-majority villages into model villages known as Adarsh Grams.
- Improve educational opportunities by building hostels for SC students, which will help them access education and lower dropout rates.
- Provide financial support for social and economic development projects at both district and state levels.
Components of PM-AJAY
Adarsh Gram Development: The program focuses on transforming villages with at least a 50% SC population. It targets ten areas, including drinking water, sanitation, education, health, nutrition, rural roads, electricity, clean fuel, agriculture, financial inclusion, digitization, livelihood, and skill development. By 2024-25, nearly 4,991 villages will be recognized as Adarsh Grams.
Grants-in-aid:
These are available for socio-economic projects aimed at improving infrastructure, livelihoods, and skill development among SC communities.
Hostel Construction:
The scheme supports building and repairing hostels for SC students in higher education and schools. So far, 891 hostels have been approved, benefiting over 69,000 students.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
Funds include money for administrative costs related to monitoring and evaluation, ensuring smooth implementation.
Eligibility
People from SC communities living below the poverty line are eligible for this program. Villages with 50% or more SC residents can receive infrastructure grants. The selection of beneficiaries follows guidelines from the Ministry of Rural Development and relies on local institutions like Panchayats.
Funding and Implementation
The scheme is entirely funded by the Central Government. States submit Annual Action Plans through the PM-AJAY portal for project approval and fund disbursement. It combines three previous 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).
Broader Impact of PM – Ajay :
PM-AJAY aims to narrow socio-economic gaps and empower Scheduled Castes by improving living conditions, education, infrastructure, and livelihoods. The program works toward creating an inclusive and fair society.
” PM-AJAY is a flagship initiative launched in 2021-22. It brings together village development, socio-economic projects, and educational support to uplift Scheduled Caste communities through poverty relief, skill development, and infrastructure improvement” , visit here
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