PM-AJAY Promotes Inclusive Growth Through Adarsh Gram, Socio-Economic Projects, and Educational Infrastructure Development
Distilled Policy Brief
- Under the grants-in-aid component for state and district-level projects, approximately 1,730 crore rupees have been released directly to states from FY 2021-22 to 2025-26, benefiting over 2.5 lakh individuals and groups.
- The scheme has facilitated the completion of 785 hostels, and for FY 2026-27, central assistance of 61.46 crore rupees has been allocated for two hostel projects with a capacity of 264 students.
🎯 Prelims High-Yield Examination Points
PM-AJAY is a centrally funded scheme consisting of three core components: Adarsh Gram development, Grants-in-aid for socio-economic projects, and Hostel construction/repair, monitored via the PM-AJAY portal and mobile app.
⚖️ Mains Analytical & Syllabus Linkages
Evaluate how targeted interventions like PM-AJAY bridge infrastructural and socio-economic gaps in Scheduled Caste majority villages, fostering inclusive growth aligned with Viksit Bharat @2047.
🎯 UPSC Prelims Practice Drill
With reference to the 'Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jati Abhyuday Yojana' (PM-AJAY), consider the following statements: 1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for the socio-economic and educational empowerment of Scheduled Caste communities. 2. One of its key components includes the development of Scheduled Caste dominated villages into 'Adarsh Gram' (Model Villages). 3. Under its grants-in-aid component for state and district-level projects, funds are utilized exclusively for constructing central government administrative buildings in rural areas. Which of the statements given above are correct?
- [A] 1 and 2 only
- [B] 2 and 3 only
- [C] 1 and 3 only
- [D] 1, 2 and 3
▶ Reveal Official Answer & Analytical Explanation
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. The PM-AJAY scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to promote inclusive development, including the 'Adarsh Gram' component to develop SC-majority villages. Statement 3 is incorrect because the grants-in-aid component for state and district-level projects focuses on socio-economic development, comprehensive livelihood projects, skill development, and income generation for the targeted population, rather than constructing central government administrative buildings.
🏛️ Historical Twin PYQ Anchor (2021)
Consider the following statements regarding the "National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)": 1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 2. Central Pollution Control Board acts as the sole regulatory executive body.