PM-AJAY Drives Inclusive Development Through Adarsh Grams, Socio-Economic Projects and Educational Infrastructure

The Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY), implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, is a 100 percent centrally funded scheme aimed at the socio-economic and educational empowerment of Scheduled Caste (SC) communities. The scheme comprises three main components: developing SC-dominated villages into 'Adarsh Grams', providing Grants-in-Aid for district and state-level socio-economic projects, and constructing or repairing student hostels. As of September 2026, 18,093 villages have been declared Adarsh Grams out of over 47,200 covered villages, more than 2.5 lakh beneficiaries have received skilling and livelihood support through Grants-in-Aid released between FY 2021-22 and FY 2025-26, and 785 student hostels have been completed. Implementation and monitoring are enhanced via the PM-AJAY Mobile App and Portal.