SYLLABUS
GS-2: Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation.
Context: The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is advancing the socio-economic empowerment of Scheduled Castes through the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY).
About the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY)
- The Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to improve the socio-economic conditions of Scheduled Castes across India.
- The scheme was launched in 2021–22 by merging three erstwhile Centrally Sponsored Schemes:
- Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY)
- Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Castes Sub Plan (SCA to SCSP)
- Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojana (BJRCY)
Key Features
- Integrated Development through Three Components:
- Adarsh Gram: Focuses on transforming Scheduled Caste-majority villages into model villages by addressing gaps in infrastructure and essential services, including drinking water, sanitation, education and nutrition.
- Grant-in-Aid: Provides financial assistance for livelihood promotion, skill development, income-generating activities and socio-economic infrastructure projects for Scheduled Castes.
- Hostels: Supports the construction and expansion of hostel facilities for Scheduled Caste students to improve access to educational opportunities and reduce barriers to higher education.
- Funding and Implementation: The scheme is 100% funded by the Central Government, although States and Union Territories may provide additional resources.
- States and Union Territories submit Annual Action Plans through the PM-AJAY portal for the approval of projects.
- For infrastructure development, villages with 50% or more Scheduled Caste population are eligible for assistance.
- Up to 2% of the total allocated funds may be utilised for hostel construction and repairs, while up to 5% may be allocated for administrative expenses, monitoring and evaluation.
Significance and Achievements of the Scheme
- Promoting Inclusive Rural Development: The Adarsh Gram component seeks to reduce disparities in Scheduled Caste-majority villages by improving essential services and creating conditions for dignified living.
- Expanding Livelihood Opportunities: The Grant-in-Aid component promotes skill development, income-generating activities and livelihood projects, thereby supporting economic empowerment and poverty reduction.
- Improving Educational Access: Hostel facilities help Scheduled Caste students overcome accommodation-related barriers and pursue education, particularly in higher educational institutions.
- Financial and Developmental Achievements: From 2014-15 to the latest reported period, ₹3,545.103 crore was released for 48,811 villages under the Adarsh Gram component, of which 16,022 achieved the prescribed indicators and were declared Adarsh Grams.
- Under the Grant-in-Aid component, ₹7,142.692 crore was released, benefiting 34.61 lakh people.
- Additionally, ₹498.215 crore was released for 244 hostels, covering 24,131 beneficiaries.
Challenges
- Infrastructural Gaps: Ensuring adequate infrastructure and essential services in Scheduled Caste-majority villages remains a key challenge.
- Effective Implementation: Timely submission and approval of Annual Action Plans and efficient utilisation of funds are essential for achieving the scheme’s objectives.
- Sustainable Livelihoods: Skill development and financial assistance must translate into stable employment, sustainable enterprises and long-term income growth.
- Educational Inclusion: Expanding hostel facilities and ensuring that Scheduled Caste students have equitable access to quality education remain important priorities.