The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has provided a comprehensive update on the implementation progress of the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) scheme as of September 2026. The scheme, which is 100% centrally funded, aims to advance the socio-economic and educational empowerment of Scheduled Caste communities through three primary components: development of Adarsh Grams, Grants-in-Aid for socio-economic projects, and construction of student hostels.
Under the Adarsh Gram component, the scheme has covered 47,200 villages benefiting more than 47.79 lakh citizens across the country, with 46,944 development works completed and 27,032 Village Development Plans prepared. As of September 8, 2026, 18,093 villages have been declared Adarsh Grams, representing model villages where critical infrastructure gaps are addressed and basic services are provided to meet minimum needs of all sections of society.
The Grants-in-Aid component has released approximately ₹1,730 crore directly to states during FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26 for district and state-level projects focused on socio-economic advancement. This funding has extended skilling and livelihood opportunities to more than 2.5 lakh individual and group beneficiaries through comprehensive livelihood projects, skill development, and related infrastructure.
For the hostel component, 785 student hostels have been completed as of September 2026, providing accommodation particularly beneficial for students from rural and remote areas. For FY 2026-27, the government has allocated ₹61.46 crore in central assistance for two hostel projects—one for girls and one for boys—which will provide accommodation for 264 students.
The scheme's funding framework allocates up to 50% of funds for gap-filling activities in selected Adarsh Gram villages, up to 5% for setting up and operating Technical Support Groups and Project Implementation Units at central, state, and district levels, and up to 2% for construction and repair of hostels including support for Central Institutions. The remaining funds are provided as Grants-in-Aid for projects at district and state levels, with allocations considering Scheduled Caste population and the ratio of State SCSP to Annual Plan in relation to Scheduled Caste population of states and union territories.
The Ministry has strengthened implementation through digital governance with the launch of PM-AJAY Mobile App and PM-AJAY Portal, facilitating a transition from paper-based workflows to end-to-end digital processing on a real-time basis. This technology-enabled approach improves coordination, transparency, accountability, and efficiency in delivery of welfare interventions.
Following completion of infrastructure projects, maintenance and operation are to be undertaken by concerned state governments or implementing agencies, with the Government of India providing central assistance for maintenance under the hostel component.