An update on the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) has been shared by The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment with the scheme continuing to build infrastructure, create livelihoods, and open up educational opportunities for Scheduled Caste (SC) communities across the country.
Adarsh Gram under PM-AJAY shows wide reach
The ministry said the Adarsh Gram component of PM-AJAY now covers 47,316 villages, reaching more than 47.59 lakh people. Of these, 46,782 development works have been finished, and 24,133 Village Development Plans (VDPs) have been drawn up to guide integrated village development.
Alongside this, 16,759 villages have been officially declared Adarsh Grams, a sign of progress in building better infrastructure, expanding basic services, and raising living standards in villages with sizeable SC populations.
Funding for hostels
To widen educational access, the Centre has set aside ₹22.50 crore for three hostel projects in FY 2026–27, two of which are girls’ hostels that will house 750 students between them.
Minister’s remarks
Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar said PM-AJAY is helping address socio-economic inequality through targeted, collaborative work aimed at empowering SC communities. He said the scheme pushes inclusive development by strengthening institutions at the grassroots level, encouraging people to participate, and widening access to opportunities.
Three components, one goal
PM-AJAY runs on three main components built around the overall development of SC communities. Adarsh Gram focuses on infrastructure and community-led planning in villages with large SC populations. Grants-in-Aid supports livelihoods, skill-building, and income generation. The Hostel component funds the construction and repair of hostels to make education more accessible for SC students.
Digital tools for tracking progress
The ministry has also built out a digital governance system around the PM-AJAY Portal and the AJAY Mobile Application. Together, they let officials prepare Village Development Plans online, appraise projects, track funds, monitor beneficiaries, and file geo-tagged reports, all aimed at keeping the process transparent and easy to monitor.
Key takeaway: Working alongside states, Union Territories, and implementing agencies, the ministry says its focus now is on getting projects executed on time. Through ongoing investment in infrastructure, education, livelihoods, and digital governance, the scheme is meant to push inclusive development and strengthen the socio-economic standing of Scheduled Caste communities across India.
MCQ:
1. The Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) is implemented by which ministry?
A. Ministry of Rural Development
B. Ministry of Tribal Affairs
C. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
D. Ministry of Panchayati Raj
2. Which of the following is NOT a component of the PM-AJAY scheme?
A. Adarsh Gram
B. Grants-in-Aid
C. Hostel Component
D. PM-KISAN Income Support
