The Central Government is implementing the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) to promote the educational and socio-economic development of Scheduled Caste (SC) communities through targeted interventions under its Adarsh Gram, Grants-in-Aid, and Construction/Repair of Hostels components. The scheme seeks to improve educational outcomes, strengthen infrastructure, and provide better access to quality residential facilities for Scheduled Caste students.

Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar, in a reply to question by Shri Rao Rajendra Singh in Lok Sabha today, informed the House that under the Adarsh Gram Component, development is being undertaken across 10 domains comprising 50 socio-economic indicators, including education. He added that as on 29 July 2026, a total of 17,067 villages have been declared Adarsh Gram, where 2,65,509 beneficiaries have been covered under the education domain.

The Minister further informed that under the Hostel Component of PM-AJAY, the Department provides central assistance to States, Union Territories, Central Universities and Institutes for constructing new hostel buildings for Scheduled Caste students. The initiative aims to increase literacy, encourage enrolment in schools and higher educational institutions, and provide adequate residential facilities, particularly in aspirational districts, SC-dominated blocks and other parts of the country.

During the last five financial years (FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26), 90 hostels have been sanctioned under the scheme, benefiting 10,649 Scheduled Caste students. An amount of ₹198.50 crore has been released to States and Union Territories for the construction of Scheduled Caste hostels during the same period.

The House was also informed that the PM-AJAY Guidelines provide for enhanced quality, safety and accessibility in hostels. These include round-the-clock deployment of lady wardens and security personnel in girls' hostels, provision of in-house coaching, medical care, health camps, IT education, sports coaching and barrier-free access for students with disabilities.

PR-049-TAR/KV/GA 

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