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PM-AJAY: 18,093 Scheduled Caste-majority villages declared 'Adarsh Grams' (model villages)

18-10-2026 · English

PM-AJAY: 18,093 Scheduled Caste-majority villages declared 'Adarsh Grams' (model villages)

Topics: Welfare Schemes · 18 October 2026 Current Affairs (UPSC / TNPSC / SSC / RRB)

News

Under the 'Adarsh Gram' component of the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY), run by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, 18,093 Scheduled Caste-majority villages had been declared model villages as of 8 Sept 2026 (PIB, 16 Oct 2026). Over 47,200 villages are covered; over 47.79 lakh people have benefited; 46,944 works are complete and 27,032 Village Development Plans prepared. Under Grants-in-Aid, about ₹1,730 crore was released directly to States from 2021–22 to 2025–26, giving skilling and livelihood support to over 2.5 lakh beneficiaries; 785 student hostels were completed by Sept 2026.

Key facts

SchemePM-AJAY – launched 2021–22; 100% centrally funded
MinistrySocial Justice & Empowerment
Merged schemesPMAGY (2009–10), SCA to SCSP, Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojana
3 componentsAdarsh Gram; Grants-in-Aid for State/district projects; hostels
Adarsh Gram18,093 declared (as of 8 Sept 2026); 47,200+ villages covered
GIA / hostels₹1,730 crore (2021–26); 2.5 lakh+ beneficiaries; 785 hostels

Background

  • History: Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY) was announced in the 2009–10 Union Budget and piloted in 1,000 villages with over 50% SC population in 5 States – Assam, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu. In 2021–22, PMAGY, SCA to SCSP and BJRCY were merged into PM-AJAY.
  • Constitution: Art 15(4) – special provisions for SCs; Art 17 – abolition of untouchability; Art 46 (DPSP) – promotion of educational and economic interests of SCs/STs; Art 341 – President notifies Scheduled Castes; Art 338 – National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC).
  • Funding: up to 50% for gap-filling works in villages, up to 5% for technical support groups, up to 2% for hostels; the rest as Grants-in-Aid. 100% centrally funded. Monitored via the PM-AJAY app and portal.

Tamil Nadu link: Tamil Nadu was one of the 5 States in the 2009–10 PMAGY pilot – 225 villages. As per Census 2011, Scheduled Castes form 20.01% of Tamil Nadu's population. The Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department implements these schemes in the State.

Source: PIB / DD India, 16 Oct 2026; Morung Express; pmagy.gov.in; IASGyan (PM-AJAY)

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