Government Proposes Continuation of PM-AJAY Scheme with Enhanced Financial Outlay
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has informed the Lok Sabha about the significant progress and proposed continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) scheme. An independent evaluation conducted by the Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO) of NITI Aayog found the scheme to be making substantial contributions toward improving infrastructure, educational access, livelihood opportunities, and overall quality of life in Scheduled Caste-dominated areas.
Since its launch in 2021-22, the Central Government has released ₹4,276.62 crores under PM-AJAY up to 2025-26 across 30 states and union territories. States and UTs have reported utilization of ₹3,185.072 crores toward infrastructure creation, livelihood generation, and educational support for Scheduled Caste beneficiaries. During 2025-26 alone, ₹1,100.09 crores were released under the scheme.
The scheme is implemented through three components: Adarsh Gram, Grants-in-Aid, and Hostels. Under the Adarsh Gram component, 3,112 villages have been identified since 2018-19, with 3,111 villages in Tamil Nadu declared as Adarsh Gram, demonstrating substantial progress in developing model villages with improved civic amenities and better public service delivery.
Based on the positive evaluation findings and demonstrated impact, 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 development benefits reach every eligible household.