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.