Elevating SC Communities: PM-AJAY Scheme Proposed for Extension Through 2030-31
The Union Government reaffirms its commitment to inclusive growth by expanding financial outlay for infrastructure, education, and livelihood generation across SC-majority villages.
In a decisive move to strengthen the socio-economic empowerment of Scheduled Caste (SC) communities, the Central Government has proposed continuing the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) for the period 2026-27 to 2030-31 with an enhanced financial layout.
The initiative—which focuses on infrastructure expansion, education, and sustainable livelihoods—has demonstrated significant impact across SC-dominated regions. The information was formally presented in a written reply to the Lok Sabha by the Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale.
Key Financial & Operational Milestones (2021-22 to 2025-26)
| Milestone / Metric | Details & Data |
|---|---|
| Pillars of Implementation | Implemented through 3 core components: Adarsh Gram, Grants-in-Aid, and Hostels. |
| Total Funds Released | ₹4,276.62 Crore released to 30 States and UTs since inception. |
| Fund Utilization Reported | ₹3,185.072 Crore utilized and reported by States/UTs. |
| Latest Allocation (2025-26) | ₹1,100.09 Crore disbursed in the current financial year alone. |
| Model Villages (Adarsh Gram) | 3,112 villages identified since 2018-19 (with 3,111 in Tamil Nadu undergoing infrastructure upgrades). |
Independent Endorsement by NITI Aayog
An evaluation conducted by the Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO) under NITI Aayog validated the effectiveness of the PM-AJAY scheme. The assessment highlighted key areas of transformative progress in SC-majority regions:
Infrastructure & Basic Amenities: Substantial improvements in rural electricity, civic amenities, and all-weather access roads.
Financial Inclusion & Health: Enhanced access to institutional banking facilities and healthcare services.
Livelihoods & Education: Growth in local micro-enterprises and upgraded academic facilities, including dedicated hostels for SC students.
Strategic Roadmap: 2026-27 to 2030-31
By extending the scheme into the next decade with expanded financial backing, the government aims to:
Accelerate Village Transformation: Scaling up civic amenities to turn more SC-concentrated villages into self-reliant hubs.
Fortify Educational Support: Constructing modern hostels and extending academic financial assistance to SC students.
Drive Sustainable Livelihoods: Funding skill development and enterprise-generation programs to ensure last-mile economic inclusion.
Through PM-AJAY, the Union Government continues to advance its vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, ensuring that the fruits of national development reach every eligible family in marginalized communities.
