PIB TrackerPM-AJAY's Adarsh Gram: 16,759 villages declared 'model', 47.59 lakh citizens benefited
Under the Adarsh Gram component of PM-AJAY — the flagship scheme for Scheduled Caste welfare — the government reports 16,759 villages declared as Adarsh Grams, over 47.59 lakh citizens benefited, 46,782 development works completed and 24,133 Village Development Plans prepared, aimed at integrated development of SC-dominated villages.
What happened
- The government reported progress under the Adarsh Gram component of PM-AJAY (Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana).
- 16,759 villages have been declared Adarsh Grams, benefiting over 47.59 lakh citizens.
- 46,782 development works have been completed and 24,133 Village Development Plans prepared.
- PM-AJAY is the flagship SC-welfare scheme — reducing poverty and improving infrastructure in SC-dominated villages.
- Rs 22.50 crore was allocated for three hostel projects (two for girls; 750 students).
For Prelims
- PM-AJAY: The Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana — the flagship scheme for Scheduled Caste socio-economic empowerment (Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment).
- Three components: Adarsh Gram (model SC-majority villages), Grants-in-Aid to States/districts, and Hostels — merging earlier SC schemes.
- Adarsh Gram: Integrated development of villages with a significant SC population through convergence and Village Development Plans.
- Scheduled Castes: Communities notified under Article 341; the Constitution mandates their welfare and protection (e.g. Articles 15(4), 46, 338).
- Convergence model: Adarsh Gram pools funds from various schemes to fill infrastructure/service gaps in target villages.
- Outcome orientation: The scheme uses a technology-enabled, outcome-based implementation and monitoring framework.
For UPSC: A useful welfare-of-vulnerable-sections example — integrated village development for Scheduled Castes via PM-AJAY. Use it for SC welfare and the Constitutional mandate (Articles 46, 338, 341), the convergence/Adarsh Gram model, and inclusive rural development.
What it is NOT: This is a progress update citing cumulative numbers under an existing scheme, not a new scheme or a fresh allocation. 'Adarsh Gram' here is PM-AJAY's SC-focused component — distinct from other 'Adarsh Gram' programmes (e.g. for minorities or MPs' villages).
For Mains
Syllabus: GS2.12 · GS3.2 · Linkage L1
Anchor
Integrated development for Scheduled Castes — model villages and convergence to close socio-economic gaps.
Substantiation (data)
PM-AJAY Adarsh Gram: 16,759 villages declared Adarsh Grams, 47.59 lakh+ citizens benefited, 46,782 works completed, 24,133 Village Development Plans; Rs 22.50 cr for three hostels (two for girls).
Exemplification
The convergence-based Adarsh Gram model and Village Development Plans as tools for targeted SC development.
Problematisation
Ensuring quality of works, genuine outcomes (not just declarations), and reaching the most marginalised within SC communities.
Way-forward
Deepen convergence, monitor outcomes, and link infrastructure with livelihoods, education and hostels.
Position
Focused, convergence-driven development is key to fulfilling the Constitutional commitment to SC welfare.
Deploys into: Schemes & welfare — welfare of vulnerable sections + inclusive growth (GS2.12, GS3.2) · PM-AJAY and its Adarsh Gram component, SC welfare (Articles 46/338/341), and convergence-based village development.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment · 2026-07-17 · PRID 2285859 · PIB source ↗