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Context:

The Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment chaired a meeting of the central advisory committee for the PM-AJAY scheme.

About the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY)

It is a 100% Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched by the Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment in 2021-22.

It aims to promote the socio-economic development of Scheduled Caste (SC) communities by reducing poverty, generating employment, and improving infrastructure in SC-dominated villages.

It was formed by merging three existing Centrally Sponsored Schemes:

1. Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY)
2. Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Castes Sub Plan (SCA to SCSP)
3. Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojana (BJRCY)

Objectives:

Reduce poverty among SC communities by generating additional employment opportunities through skill development and income-generating initiatives. 

Improve socio-economic indicators by developing infrastructure in SC-dominated villages.

Increase literacy rates and encourage higher education among SC students by providing residential facilities and constructing hostels in higher educational institutions.

Components of the Scheme

Adarsh Gram (Model Village): Focuses on the integrated development of SC-majority villages into model villages with essential infrastructure and services.

Grants-in-Aid for District/State-Level Projects: Provides financial assistance for livelihood development projects, including skill development, infrastructure projects, and economic empowerment initiatives.

Construction of Hostels in Higher Educational Institutions: Aims to reduce dropout rates and promote higher education among SC students by funding the construction of hostels in top-ranked institutions as per the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF).

Eligibility Criteria:

Individuals: Scheduled Caste (SC) persons living below the poverty line are eligible for benefits under the scheme.

Villages: Villages with 50% or more SC population are eligible for grants under the Infrastructure Development component.

Achievements under the PM-AJAY Scheme

In August 2024, the Union Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, in the Lok Sabha stated that, in the financial year 2023-24, 2,489 villages were declared as Adarsh Grams and 21 hostels were constructed under the scheme.

Must Read Articles:

PRADHAN MANTRI ANUSUCHIT JAATI ABHUYDAY YOJANA (PM- AJAY)

Source:

ECONOMIC TIMES

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