PM-AJAY Advances Integrated Development and Economic Empowerment of SC Communities; Adarsh Gram Details of PM-AJAY Available at <p><a href="https://pmagy.gov.in/" target="_blank">https://pmagy.gov.in/</a></p>

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing the Pradhan Andhi Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) to promote the socio-economic development of Scheduled Caste communities through integrated village development, livelihood opportunities, skill development, and essential infrastructure. Under the Adarsh Gram component in Andhra Pradesh, 1,159 villages have been selected since 2018-19, with 892 villages declared Adarsh Grams. Furthermore, the Grants-in-Aid component covered 1,19,679 beneficiaries in the State between 2023-24 and 2025-26 across infrastructure, income-generating, and skill development activities. The scheme utilizes need-based Village Development Plans and convergence with existing central and state initiatives to bridge critical gaps in infrastructure and basic services.