Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojna (PM-AJAY)

The Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojna (PM-AJAY) is a 100% centrally sponsored scheme launched in FY 2021-22 by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. It merges three erstwhile schemes: Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana, Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Castes Sub Plan, and Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojana. The scheme aims to achieve socio-economic and educational empowerment of Scheduled Castes (SCs), who constitute 16.6% of India's population. It operates through three main components: developing SC-dominated villages into Adarsh Grams, providing grants-in-aid for socio-economic and livelihood projects at state/district levels, and constructing or repairing student hostels. The government has also launched the 'PM-AJAY' Mobile App and Portal to transition to an end-to-end digital workflow.