PRADHAN MANTRI ANUSUCHIT JAATI ABHYUDAY YOJANA (PM-AJAY)

Why In News?

The Central Advisory Committee (CAC) reviewed PM-AJAY and noted that 15,387 villages had been declared Adarsh Grams, 

What is Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY)?

It is a 100% Centrally Sponsored Scheme of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment aimed at reducing poverty, improving infrastructure and generating sustainable livelihoods for Scheduled Castes, in line with Article 46 of the Constitution. 

Introduced in FY 2021–22, it integrates Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY), Special Central Assistance to SC Sub-Plan (SCA to SCSP) and Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojana (BJRCY) to ensure convergence and efficient utilisation of resources.

The scheme operates through Adarsh Gram, Grants-in-Aid for income-generating projects, and Hostels to improve infrastructure, livelihoods and educational access for SC communities.  

Key Features and Implementation

Village Development Plan (VDP): Prepared through Needs Assessment Surveys, Village Level Convergence Committees (VLCCs) and Gram Sabha approval, strengthening participatory governance envisaged under the 73rd Constitutional Amendment.

Convergence-Based Development: Leverages existing Central and State schemes with a Gap-filling fund of ₹20 lakh per village, improving efficiency through convergence rather than creating parallel infrastructure. 

Technology-Driven Monitoring: The AJAY Mobile App enables geo-tagged, time-stamped verification of community assets in 24 Indian languages, improving transparency, monitoring and accountability. 

Focus Areas: Covers 10 development domains, including drinking water, sanitation, health, nutrition, education, social security, roads, electricity, financial inclusion and skill development.

Significance of PM-AJAY

Inclusive Rural Development: The scheme has covered 47,000+ villages, benefited 47.59 lakh citizens, and accelerated infrastructure creation in SC-majority villages. 

Social Justice: Completion of over 780 hostels has expanded access to safe residential facilities, supporting higher enrolment and retention of SC students, consistent with NEP 2020's equity objectives.

Livelihood Promotion: More than ₹1,730 crore has been released under the Grant-in-Aid component, benefiting over 2.5 lakh individuals and groups through skill development, asset creation and income-generating activities. 

Technology & Good Governance: The Central Advisory Committee (CAC) has recommended stronger Centre-State coordination, timely fund utilisation, digital monitoring and expansion of PM-AJAY's coverage to reach more disadvantaged SC communities.

SDG & Constitutional Alignment: PM-AJAY contributes directly to SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Communities) while operationalising the constitutional vision of Articles 38, 46 and 21 for inclusive development.

Source: PIB