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The Central Government continues to strengthen the socio-economic empowerment of Scheduled Caste (SC) communities through the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY).

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment informed the Lok Sabha that an independent evaluation conducted by the Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO), NITI Aayog, has found the scheme to be making significant contributions towards improving infrastructure, educational access, livelihood opportunities and the overall quality of life in Scheduled Caste-dominated areas.

In a written reply to Shri Raja A in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri Ramdas Athawale stated that PM-AJAY, launched in 2021-22, is being implemented through its three components—Adarsh Gram, Grants-in-Aid and Hostels—to accelerate the socio-economic development of Scheduled Caste communities across the country.

The Minister said that since the launch of PM-AJAY, the Central Government has released ₹4,276.62 crores under the scheme up to 2025-26 in 30 states and UTs, while States and Union Territories have reported utilisation of ₹3,185.072 crores towards infrastructure creation, livelihood generation and educational support for Scheduled Caste beneficiaries. During 2025-26 alone, ₹1,100.09 crores have been released under the scheme, reflecting the Government's continued commitment to expanding development interventions.

The Ministry further informed that under the Adarsh Gram component, 3,112 villages have been identified since 2018-19, out of which 3,111 villages in Tamil Nadu have been declared Adarsh Gram, demonstrating substantial progress in developing model villages with improved civic amenities and better public service delivery.

The Development Monitoring And Evaluation Office (DMEO) evaluation concluded that PM-AJAY is well aligned with the Government's objective of inclusive and equitable development. The study found that the scheme has enhanced access to basic infrastructure, electricity, banking facilities, institutional healthcare, education and livelihood opportunities while improving the socio-economic conditions of Scheduled Caste communities in beneficiary villages.

To further strengthen these interventions, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment has proposed the continuation of PM-AJAY from 2026-27 to 2030-31 with an enhanced financial outlay. The proposed expansion aims to widen the scheme's coverage, strengthen infrastructure development, create sustainable livelihood opportunities and enhance educational support for Scheduled Caste beneficiaries, ensuring that the benefits of development reach every eligible household.

The Government remains committed to advancing the vision of social justice, inclusive growth and equitable development by empowering Scheduled Caste communities through targeted interventions under PM-AJAY.

PR – 037 – TAR/KV/GA

Official source

[Read the original PIB release](https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2290717)

Source attribution: Press Information Bureau, Government of India.