The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) to promote the socio-economic development of Scheduled Caste communities through integrated village development, livelihood opportunities, skill development and essential infrastructure.

Since the financial year 2018-19, a total of 1,159 villages in Andhra Pradesh have been selected under the Adarsh Gram component of PM-AJAY. Of these, 892 villages have been declared Adarsh Grams by the State Government, reflecting substantial progress in strengthening village-level infrastructure and socio-economic outcomes.

Tirupati has the highest number of selected villages at 221, followed by Prakasam with 111, Chittoor with 101, Eluru with 99 and Krishna with 88 villages. All 88 selected villages in Krishna have been declared Adarsh Grams. All selected villages in Sri Sathya Sai and Vizianagaram have also achieved Adarsh Gram status.

The Scheme follows a comprehensive approach to reducing socio-economic disparities and improving the quality of life in Scheduled Caste-dominated villages. Its major components include the development of eligible villages into Adarsh Grams, Grants-in-Aid for district and State-level socio-economic development projects, and the construction and repair of hostels in higher educational institutions.

An Adarsh Gram is expected to have adequate physical and social infrastructure and to demonstrate progress across identified socio-economic development indicators. Village-level advancement is assessed through measurable indicators covering important areas of development and access to essential services.

A total of 267 selected villages are presently progressing towards Adarsh Gram status. Gap-filling infrastructure works are under implementation in these villages, while efforts are continuing to achieve the prescribed score of 70 out of 100 across socio-economic development indicators.

The Grants-in-Aid component of PM-AJAY covered 1,19,679 beneficiaries in Andhra Pradesh during the financial years 2023-24 to 2025-26. The assistance included 1,11,697 beneficiaries under infrastructure development interventions, 6,132 beneficiaries under income-generating and livelihood activities, and 1,850 beneficiaries under skill development programmes.

Infrastructure development accounted for the largest share of beneficiaries. Prakasam recorded 12,571 beneficiaries, followed by Eluru with 9,747, Palnadu with 7,099, Tirupati with 5,897 and Kakinada with 5,764 beneficiaries.

Under income-generating activities, Prakasam covered 389 beneficiaries, followed by Tirupati with 376, SPSR Nellore with 367, Eluru with 327 and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema with 308 beneficiaries.

Skill development interventions were implemented across districts to improve employability and facilitate access to sustainable livelihood opportunities. NTR and Tirupati covered 160 beneficiaries each, while East Godavari, Guntur and SPSR Nellore covered 130 beneficiaries each.

The Adarsh Gram component promotes integrated development through need-based Village Development Plans. These plans identify gaps in infrastructure and service delivery and facilitate convergence with relevant Central and State Government schemes.

Gap-filling assistance under PM-AJAY is intended to address critical requirements that cannot be fully met through existing programmes. This approach enables selected villages to strengthen basic services and achieve measurable progress across key socio-economic indicators.

The Grants-in-Aid component complements village-level development by supporting livelihood generation, skill development and infrastructure projects that directly benefit Scheduled Caste communities.

No additional funds could be released to Andhra Pradesh under the Adarsh Gram component during the financial years 2023-24 to 2025-26 due to the availability of an unspent balance and pending Utilisation Certificates. Further releases are linked to the utilisation of previously released funds and submission of the required documentation.

Through PM-AJAY, the Government remains committed to strengthening infrastructure, expanding economic opportunities and promoting the inclusive and sustainable development of Scheduled Caste communities.

Further information on the Adarsh Gram component of PM-AJAY is available at https://pmagy.gov.in/.

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PR-96 TAR/KV/GA/RK

(रिलीज़ आईडी: 2306061) आगंतुक पटल : 408