Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhuyday Yojana

Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhuyday Yojana

The Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhuyday Yojana (PM-AJAY) is a comprehensive initiative launched in the fiscal year 2021-22 by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to uplift Scheduled Caste (SC) communities in India. This scheme amalgamates three Centrally Sponsored Schemes, including Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY), Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Castes Sub Plan (SCA to SCSP), and Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojana (BJRCY).

Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhuyday Yojana Overview

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Key Objectives of Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhuyday Yojana

Poverty Reduction

The primary aim is to reduce poverty within SC communities by generating additional employment opportunities through skill development, income-generating schemes, and various initiatives.

Education Promotion

Increase literacy and encourage enrollment of SCs in schools and higher educational institutions by providing adequate residential facilities in quality institutions, particularly in aspirational districts/SC majority blocks and across India.

Components of PM-AJAY

Development of SC-Dominated Villages (Adarsh Gram)

• Formerly known as Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY).
• Aims to ensure integrated development of SC-majority villages.
• Focus on providing infrastructure for socio-economic development.
• Targets improvement in monitorable indicators across 10 domains such as drinking water, sanitation, education, health, and more.

‘Grants-in-aid’ for District/State-level Projects

• Formerly known as Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Caste Sub Plan.
• Supports socio-economic development through grants for comprehensive livelihood projects, skill development, and infrastructure development.
• Special provisions include dedicating funds for SC women, infrastructure, and skill development.

Construction of Hostels in Higher Educational Institutions

• Implemented through State Governments, UT Administrations, central and State Universities/Institutions.
• Cost norms vary based on regions, with 100% central assistance for boys’ hostels.
• Aims to facilitate quality education, reduce dropouts, and provide financial support for hostel construction.

PM-AJAY Significance  

• Holistic Development:
  • Integrates three Centrally Sponsored Schemes for comprehensive development.
  • Addresses education, health, infrastructure, and livelihoods.
• Empowerment through Skill Development:
  • Emphasizes skill development for enhanced employability.
  • Supports skilling courses and institutions.
• Infrastructure in SC-Dominated Villages:
  • Focuses on developing Adarsh Grams for self-sustainability.
  • Provides essential infrastructure for socio-economic growth.
• Education and Residential Facilities:
  • Aims to increase literacy and SC enrollment in quality institutions.
  • Ensures residential facilities in aspirational districts.
• Addressing Socio-Economic Disparities:
  • Targets poverty reduction through income-generating schemes.
  • Supports livelihood projects and asset acquisition.
• Women Empowerment:
  • Allocates funds exclusively for SC women’s economic development.
  • Promotes gender equality within the SC community.
• Monitoring with Indicators:
  • Includes monitorable indicators across domains for systematic evaluation.
  • Facilitates evidence-based decision-making.
• Financial Support for Hostels:
  • Provides financial assistance for hostel construction in higher education.
  • Ensures equitable access and reduces dropouts among SC students.

Achievements of  PM-AJAY

• Under the Adarsh Gram component, 1834 villages have been declared as Adarsh Gram during FY2023-24.
• For the Grants-in-aid component, the perspective plan for 17 states has been approved, emphasizing economic development, infrastructure, and skill development.
• In terms of hostel construction, 15 new hostels have been sanctioned in FY 2023-24.

Conclusion

The Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhuyday Yojana is a comprehensive and ambitious initiative focused on holistic development, empowerment, and upliftment of Scheduled Caste communities in India. Through its various components, the scheme aims to address socio-economic disparities, promote education, and create sustainable livelihoods, with notable achievements already seen in its early stages of implementation.

Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhuyday Yojana UPSC

The Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhuyday Yojana (PM-AJAY), launched in FY 2021-22, integrates three schemes to uplift Scheduled Caste communities. It focuses on poverty reduction through employment and skill development, promotes education with residential facilities, and targets holistic development. Notable achievements include declaring 1834 villages as Adarsh Grams, approving plans for 17 states, and sanctioning 15 hostels. PM-AJAY signifies a comprehensive effort towards empowerment and socio-economic development, bridging disparities within SC communities.

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