PM-AJAY Advances Integrated Development and Economic Empowerment of SC Communities; Adarsh Gram Details of PM-AJAY Available at https://pmagy.gov.in/
The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment is implementing PM-AJAY to promote socio-economic development of Scheduled Caste communities through integrated village development. In Andhra Pradesh, 1,159 villages have been selected under the Adarsh Gram component since 2018-19, with 892 declared as Adarsh Grams. The Grants-in-Aid component covered 1,19,679 beneficiaries during 2023-24 to 2025-26, focusing on infrastructure development, livelihood activities, and skill development.
Why It Matters
Relevant for UPSC and state-PSC candidates preparing for questions on government schemes, social welfare policies, and SC community development programmes. Understanding PM-AJAY's structure and implementation is important for administrative and policy-related exam sections.
In Simple Words
PM-AJAY helps develop Scheduled Caste-dominated villages into model villages (‘Adarsh Grams’) with better infrastructure and services. In Andhra Pradesh, 1,159 villages have been selected since 2018-19, and 892 have already achieved Adarsh Gram status.
Beyond village development, the scheme's Grants-in-Aid component supported over 1.19 lakh beneficiaries in the state between 2023-24 and 2025-26 — mostly through infrastructure works, along with livelihood and skill-development support.
Key Points
- PM-AJAY implemented by Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
- 1,159 villages selected in Andhra Pradesh since FY 2018-19
- 892 villages declared as Adarsh Grams; 267 villages progressing towards status
- Tirupati has highest selected villages (221), followed by Prakasam (111)
- 1,19,679 beneficiaries covered under Grants-in-Aid in FY 2023-24 to 2025-26
- 1,11,697 beneficiaries under infrastructure development, 6,132 under livelihood, 1,850 under skill development
- Adarsh Gram requires score of 70 out of 100 on socio-economic indicators
- No additional funds released to Andhra Pradesh in 2023-24 to 2025-26 due to unspent balance
Exam Angle
A. 1,159 villages have been selected, of which 892 have been declared Adarsh Grams.
Source: Press Information Bureau