Context:
Recently, the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment informed the Rajya Sabha about the PM-AJAY scheme.
Relevance:
GS II: Government Policies and Interventions
PM-AJAY Scheme: Empowering Scheduled Castes for Holistic Development
Scheme Overview:
- Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) is a 100% Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
Merged Schemes:
- PM-AJAY is a consolidated scheme merging three Centrally Sponsored Schemes: Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY), Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Castes Sub Plan (SCA to SCSP), and Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojana (BJRCY).
Objectives:
- Increase the income of the target population through income-generating schemes, skill development, and infrastructure development.
- Reduce poverty among the targeted Scheduled Castes (SC) population and bring them above the poverty line.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Scheduled Castes persons living below the poverty line are eligible for benefits under this scheme.
- Villages with 50% or more SC population qualify for grants under the scheme for infrastructure development.
Implementation Components (Since 2021-22):
- Development of SC Dominated Villages into an ‘Adarsh Gram’:
- Aims at transforming villages with a significant SC population into model villages.
- Grants-in-Aid for District/State-level Projects:
- Supports socio-economic betterment projects for SCs at the district and state levels.
- Construction of Hostels in Higher Educational Institutions:
- Focuses on building hostels to facilitate higher education for SC students.
Implementation Period:
- Implemented since 2021-22 with a multi-component approach.
Overall Goal:
- The scheme strives for the holistic development of Scheduled Castes, fostering economic empowerment, skill enhancement, and improved infrastructure.
