PM-AJAY Accelerates Socio-Economic Development of Scheduled Caste Communities
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is driving socio-economic development for Scheduled Caste communities through the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY). The scheme operates across Adarsh Gram, Grant-in-Aid, and Hostel components to bridge critical infrastructure gaps, boost livelihoods, and improve educational access. Funds and beneficiaries have seen substantial growth since 2014-15 through this merged Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
Why It Matters
Candidates appearing for UPSC, SSC, and state-PSC exams should note the components, funding details, and merged schemes under PM-AJAY for government schemes and social welfare questions.
In Simple Words
The Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) is a merged Centrally Sponsored Scheme implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment since 2021-22. It combines three earlier schemes: Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana, Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Castes Sub Plan, and Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojana.
The scheme works through three main components: Adarsh Gram for integrated village development, Grant-in-Aid for skill development and livelihood projects, and the Hostel component to improve educational access. Across these areas, funds have been disbursed since 2014-15 to reduce poverty and enhance the quality of life for Scheduled Caste communities.
Key Points
- PM-AJAY is implemented as a merged Centrally Sponsored Scheme since 2021-22.
- It merges three erstwhile schemes: PMAGY, SCA to SCSP, and BJRCY.
- Under the Adarsh Gram Component, Rs. 3,545.103 Crore has been released from FY 2014-15 to date for 48,811 villages.
- 16,022 villages have been declared Adarsh Gram as of the given data.
- Under the Grant-in-Aid Component, Rs. 7,142.692 crore has been released to States and UTs since FY 2014-15, benefiting 34.61 lakh beneficiaries.
- Under the Hostel Component, Rs. 498.215 crore has been released for 244 hostels covering 24,131 beneficiaries since FY 2014-15.
- During FY 2024-25 and FY 2025-26, Rs. 629.26 crore was released under the Adarsh Gram Component and 8,823 villages were declared Adarsh Gram.
- The scheme aims to reduce poverty among Scheduled Caste communities by generating employment through skill development and infrastructure interventions.
Exam Angle
A. 2021-22
Source: Press Information Bureau