PM-AJAY: how the central scheme helps SC villages, students and skilling

Here is the whole scheme in one place: what you get, who qualifies, how to apply, and what to check.

Key points

• PM-AJAY is a 100% centrally funded scheme for SC communities across India.
• It has three parts: Adarsh Gram villages, skilling and livelihood grants, and hostels.
• A village must have over 40 per cent SC population and at least 500 people to be selected.
• Progress is tracked on the PM-AJAY portal and the AJAY mobile app.

So what does the scheme actually provide?

PM-AJAY works through three components. Each one reaches people in a different way.

Under Adarsh Gram, selected villages get funds for development works. These cover drinking water, sanitation, education, health, roads, electricity and more.

Under Grants-in-Aid, funds support skilling and livelihood initiatives for SC communities.

Under the hostel component, funds help build and repair hostels in educational institutions. The exact amounts depend on the sanctioned project and state plans.

Who can benefit, and which villages qualify?

PM-AJAY is for Scheduled Caste communities. Its main focus is SC-majority villages.

For the Adarsh Gram component, a village must have an SC population above 40 per cent. It must also have a total population of at least 500.

A village becomes an Adarsh Gram only after scoring at least 70 out of 100 on prescribed development indicators. It must also be Open Defecation Free.

Eligibility for skilling and hostel support depends on the state's plan and the implementing agency. Check with your state social welfare office.

Why was the scheme started, and what has changed recently?

PM-AJAY was launched in 2021-22 by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It merged three older schemes into one.

The older schemes were Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana, Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Castes Sub Plan, and Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojana.

The ministry has now launched a digital portal and a mobile app. These track village plans, beneficiaries and construction work in real time.

What documents should you keep ready?

Keep your Aadhaar card and your caste certificate handy when you deal with any benefit under the scheme.

For skilling or hostel support, keep your educational or training records with you.

Village-level applications are usually made by the local administration, so the village records will be used.

How do you apply or take part, step by step?

Start at pmajay.dosje.gov.in to see the scheme details and progress dashboards.

For village development, the state government selects villages and prepares a Village Development Plan. Your gram panchayat or block office can tell you if your village is in the list.

For skilling, hostels or grants, contact your state social welfare or SC development department. They will tell you the current process.

How can you check progress, and what if work is stuck?

Visit the PM-AJAY portal to see village and fund progress across states.

Official data shows many Adarsh Gram works are still pending. So a delay does not always mean an error on your side.

If work in your village is stuck, raise it first with the block or district office. You can also write to your state social welfare department.

Any helpline, and what should you watch out for?

Check the PM-AJAY portal for the latest contact details of the ministry and state offices.

Never pay any agent to get your village selected or to get a hostel seat. Official selection is free.

Some news reports have raised questions about fund use in past years. Always rely on the official portal and state offices for current facts.

Frequently asked questions

Is PM-AJAY a scheme where I can apply directly for money?

Mostly no. Funds usually go to village plans, skilling bodies and hostels through the state government. Check with your local office on how to take part.

Is there any fee to take part?

No. Official selection and support are free. Never pay an agent for a village selection or a hostel seat.

Is PM-AJAY the same as the old Adarsh Gram scheme?

No. PM-AJAY merged the Adarsh Gram scheme with two other schemes in 2021-22.

Can a village be selected in every year?

Selections are made in phases by the government. Check the portal for the latest list of selected villages.