Why in news
- Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment highlighted progress and financial releases under PM-AJAY for Scheduled Caste empowerment.
Key terms
Adarsh Gram
A village meeting targeted developmental indicators across infrastructure, health, and education.
What is PM-AJAY?
- Merged scheme combining three former Central 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).
- Administered by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to reduce poverty and improve developmental indicators in SC-majority villages.
Key components
- Adarsh Gram Component: Focuses on integrated infrastructure development in SC-majority villages to declare them Adarsh Grams.
- Grant-in-Aid Component: Funds skill development, income-generating projects, and livelihood promotion.
- Hostel Component: Finances construction and expansion of educational hostels for SC students.
Prelims facts
- PM-AJAY merges PMAGY, SCA to SCSP, and Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojana into three operational components.
Mains discussion
- Evaluation of targeted village-level intervention models in reducing socioeconomic disparities for SC households.
Source: PIB
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