Context:
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has brought attention to the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhuyday Yojana (PM-AJAY), a comprehensive scheme that integrates 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).
- Launched in the fiscal year 2021-22, this initiative is dedicated to uplifting Scheduled Caste (SC) communities. It focuses on generating employment opportunities through skill development, implementing income-generating schemes, and introducing various initiatives aimed at fostering socio-economic growth within the SC population.
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.
