India, Sept. 28 -- The Government of India has issued a release:
Scheduled Castes (SCs), constituting 16.6% of India's population, have historically faced barriers to socio-economic advancement and inclusion. Addressing these disparities is vital to ensuring social justice, equal opportunity, and broader participation in India's development journey. Recognising these development gaps, the Government of India launched Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) to foster the overall development of Scheduled Castes.
Development of SC dominated villages into "Adarsh Gram"
An 'Adarsh Gram' is one wherein people have access to various basic services. The minimum needs of all the sections of the society are fully met and disparities are reduced to a minimum. These villages are envisioned to have all essential infrastructure and universal access to basic services required for dignified living. This creates an enabling environment for every resident to realise their full potential.
Grants-in-aid for Socio-Economic Projects to State/Districts
Construction/Repair of Hostels
Funding at a Glance
Funding Pattern
100% Centrally Funded Scheme
State/UT Contribution
States/UTs may supplement the scheme with additional resources, if required
Component-wise Allocation
Maintenance
Post completion of the infrastructure projects under the scheme, their upkeep and operations shall be taken care of by the State Governments/implementing agencies, as the case may be.
A Vision for Inclusive Empowerment
The Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojna (PM-AJAY) is a 100% centrally sponsored scheme launched in FY 2021-22. It envisions achieving socio-economic and educational empowerment of Scheduled Caste communities through a comprehensive and integrated approach. The Government has launched 'PM-AJAY' Mobile App and 'PM-AJAY' Portal for expedited and quality implementation of the PM-AJAY Scheme.
PM-AJAY is a merger scheme of three erstwhile centrally sponsored schemes, namely, 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, PM-AJAY turns its broader goal of ensuring development for everyone into practical action through the following three main objectives:
Who Can Benefit from PM-AJAY?
At the heart of PM-AJAY lies a carefully defined framework of eligibility, ensuring that the benefits of the scheme reach the individuals and communities for whom they are intended. Accordingly, access to the scheme is determined on the basis of the following criteria:
PM-AJAY in Action
The architecture of PM-AJAY rests on three distinct components to address various aspects of development:
Transforming SC-majority villages into 'Adarsh Grams' (model villages) by filling critical gaps in infrastructure and services. The Adarsh Gram component has covered 47,243 villages, benefiting more than 47.79 lakh citizens across the country. A total of 46,944 development works have been completed, while 27,032 Village Development Plans (VDPs) have been prepared. As on 8th September 2026, 18,093 villages have been declared as Adarsh Grams, reflecting significant progress in improving infrastructure, basic services and quality of life in Scheduled Caste-majority villages.
Providing financial assistance for district/state-level projects aimed at the socio-economic betterment of SCs. This includes:
More than Rs.1,730 crore has been released directly to States under the Grants-in-Aid component from FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26. It extends skilling and livelihood support to over 2.5 lakh individual and group beneficiaries.
Investing in Empowerment
Effective implementation of any welfare initiative requires sustained financial support. An overview of the funding framework under PM-AJAY is presented below.
A Digital Leap Towards Effective Governance
The recent launch of the 'PM-AJAY' Mobile App and 'PM-AJAY' Portal aims to transition from paper-based workflow and processing to an end-to-end digital workflow and processing on a real-time basis.
Good governance is built on the principles of transparency, accountability and efficiency.
Digital technologies have transformed the planning, delivery and monitoring of public programmes. Technology-enabled governance improves information access, strengthens monitoring and supports data-driven decision-making. It also enhances coordination, transparency and the overall effectiveness of programme implementation.
The Next Chapter in India's Growth Story
The journey towards Viksit Bharat @2047 is founded on the principle that the benefits of development must reach every section of society and create opportunities for all to progress. In this endeavour, PM-AJAY plays a significant role in advancing the socio-economic and educational empowerment of Scheduled Caste communities through targeted interventions that promote sustainable livelihoods, quality education and improved infrastructure. As the scheme continues to expand, greater use of technology, stronger monitoring mechanisms, and focused last-mile delivery are enhancing its effectiveness and outreach. By empowering individuals and communities to realise their full potential and actively participate in India's development journey, PM-AJAY will continue to foster a more inclusive, equitable, and empowered nation.
References
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment:
https://socialjustice.gov.in/
https://socialjustice.gov.in/schemes/104
https://socialjustice.gov.in/writereaddata/UploadFile/71441776233188.pdf
https://pmajay.dosje.gov.in/
https://pmajay.dosje.gov.in/Writereaddata/Guidelines.pdf
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID2265530®3&lang1
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID2285859®48&lang1
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID2268689®48&lang1
https://www.indiabudget.gov.in/doc/eb/sbe93.pdf
Ministry of Finance:
https://www.indiabudget.gov.in/doc/OutcomeBudgetE2026_2027.pdf
myScheme:
https://www.myscheme.gov.in/schemes/pmajay-ag
Click here to see pdf
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
