The Central Government is implementing the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) to promote the socio-economic development of Scheduled Caste communities through the integrated development of villages under its Adarsh Gram Component. The scheme aims to ensure saturation of key socio-economic indicators through convergence of Central and State Government schemes while addressing critical development gaps.

Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri Ramdas Athawale, in a written reply to Shri Anil Kumar Yadav Mandadi in the Rajya Sabha, informed that 47,328 villages have been selected across the country under the Adarsh Gram Component of PM-AJAY, including 435 villages in Telangana. State-wise details of the selected villages have been placed on the Table of the House.

The Minister further informed that the Adarsh Gram Component focuses on the integrated development of selected villages through the saturation of 50 monitorable socio-economic indicators across 10 development sectors, including education. A Need Assessment Survey is conducted to establish the baseline status of these indicators. The identified gaps are addressed through convergence with Central and State Government schemes or through interventions supported under PM-AJAY. Progress made by States and Union Territories is regularly updated through the PMAGY Portal.

The House was also informed that, across the country, 3,28,131 development works and 1,10,51,213 beneficiaries have been identified under the scheme. Of these, 46,642 development works have been completed, while 47,59,399 beneficiaries have already been saturated through various interventions.

With regard to Telangana, the written reply stated that under the education sector, 3,529 beneficiaries have been identified, of whom 472 beneficiaries have already received benefits under the scheme.

Replying to a query regarding third-party audit, Shri Athawale informed that States and Union Territories have been directed to verify the self-declaration of Adarsh Gram villages under the PM-AJAY Adarsh Gram Component. Accordingly, validation is being undertaken by the respective State and UT Governments.

The PM-AJAY Adarsh Gram Component continues to promote inclusive and sustainable rural development by improving access to education, infrastructure, livelihoods and essential services, thereby contributing to the socio-economic empowerment of Scheduled Caste communities across the country.

PR-048-TAR/KV/GA

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