New Delhi: In a significant move towards uplifting the socio-economic status of Scheduled Caste (SC) communities, the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhuyday Yojana (PM-AJAY) has been implemented since the fiscal year 2021-22. PM-AJAY, a consolidated initiative, merges three 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).
The primary objective of PM-AJAY is to alleviate poverty among SC communities by generating additional employment opportunities through skill development, income-generating schemes, and other initiatives. The scheme aims to improve socio-economic developmental indicators by ensuring adequate infrastructure and essential services in SC-dominated villages.
Broadly, PM-AJAY comprises three key components:
- Development of SC Dominated Villages into “Adarsh Gram”: A total of 1834 villages have been declared as Adarsh Gram during the current fiscal year 2023-24 under this component.
- Grants-in-Aid for District/State-level Projects: This includes projects for the socio-economic betterment of SCs, encompassing the creation of infrastructure in SC-dominated villages (including those selected under the Adarsh Gram component), construction of hostels/residential schools, and comprehensive livelihood projects. The latter may involve skill development, related infrastructure development, and financial assistance towards loans taken by beneficiaries for asset acquisition required for livelihood generation.
- Construction of Hostels: This component focuses on constructing hostels in higher educational institutions and schools that are either fully or partially funded by the Centre/State/UT Governments. The selection criteria include top-ranking institutions as per the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) of the Government of India.
In the latest development, a total of 15 new hostels have been sanctioned under the Hostel component of the PM-AJAY scheme. Additionally, the perspective plan for 17 states has been approved under the Grants-in-Aid component during the current financial year.
PM-AJAY represents a holistic approach towards the upliftment of SC communities, addressing both infrastructural and livelihood needs. By merging three critical schemes, the government aims to streamline efforts for a more effective and comprehensive impact on the targeted communities. The scheme’s multifaceted approach underscores the commitment to fostering inclusive growth and ensuring a brighter future for SC-dominated villages across the nation.