The Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY), a Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched in 2021-22, continues to make significant progress in improving socio-economic conditions for Scheduled Caste (SC) communities. The scheme focuses on three key components: Adarsh Gram, Grants-in-aid for socio-economic projects, and Hostel construction.
As part of the hostel initiative, the government aims to provide residential facilities for SC students, especially in rural and remote areas, to increase literacy rates and encourage higher education enrolment. These hostels are being prioritized in SC-dominated regions and aspirational districts where such facilities are lacking.
According to Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri Ramdas Athawale, 867 hostels have been sanctioned under PM-AJAY so far, benefiting 69,795 students across the country.
The objectives of the scheme include:
- Improving socio-economic indicators in SC-dominated villages by ensuring adequate infrastructure and essential services.
- Reducing poverty among SC communities through employment generation, skill development, and income-generating initiatives.
- Encouraging education by offering residential facilities in schools and higher educational institutions.
The hostel initiative under PM-AJAY plays a crucial role in bridging the educational gap and ensuring inclusive development for marginalized communities. The government remains committed to expanding and strengthening such initiatives to promote better access to education for SC students across India.
