PM-AJAY: Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana
Last updated: 2026-11-13 · MockMentor
Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY), launched in 2021-22, is a Centrally Sponsored umbrella scheme for Scheduled Castes. It merged three schemes: the Special Central Assistance to the SC Sub Plan, the PM Adarsh Gram Yojana and the Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojana.
In one line: model villages, livelihood grants and hostels to lift SC communities, with funds split 50:40:10.
At a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Launched | 2021-22 |
| Type | Centrally Sponsored umbrella scheme |
| Merged | SCA to SCSP, PM Adarsh Gram Yojana, Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojana |
| Fund split | 50% Adarsh Gram, 40% grants, 10% hostels |
Three components
| Component | Key facts |
|---|---|
| Adarsh Gram | Villages with 40%+ SC population and 500+ people; ₹20 lakh gap-filling grant to meet 50 indicators in 10 areas |
| Grants-in-aid | Up to ₹50,000 or 50% of project cost for livelihood assets; part reserved for skilling |
| Hostels | Girls' hostels 100% Central; boys' hostels 50% to 90% depending on the State |
Possible exam questions
- How can village-level saturation improve outcomes for Scheduled Castes?
- Assess the consolidation of welfare schemes into umbrella schemes.
Complete notes in our courses: this page gives the essentials. The Super-Elite and Elite courses carry the full chapter with every update merged in, plus practice MCQs. Compare the courses.
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