National 17 October 2026
18,093 Villages Declared Adarsh Grams, ₹1,730 Crore Released Under PM-AJAY Grants-in-Aid
Why in the News?
The Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (**PM-AJAY**), implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, has successfully declared **18,093 villages as Adarsh Grams** as of September 2026, marking a significant milestone in improving infrastructure and quality of life in Scheduled Caste-majority villages.
Key Features / Major Points:
- Adarsh Gram Progress: Over 47,200 villages have been covered under the Adarsh Gram component, benefiting more than 47.79 lakh citizens. As many as 46,944 development works have been completed and 27,032 Village Development Plans (VDPs) formulated.
- Grants-in-Aid Disbursal: Approximately **₹1,730 crore** was directly released to States under the Grants-in-Aid component from FY 2021-22 to 2025-26, extending livelihood and skilling opportunities to over 2.5 lakh individual and group beneficiaries.
- Student Hostels: A total of 785 student hostels have been completed under the scheme as of September 2026. For FY 2026-27, ₹61.46 crore has been allocated in central assistance for new hostel projects to accommodate 264 students.
- Digital Governance: The launch of the PM-AJAY Mobile App and Portal has modernized monitoring, shifting paper-based workflows to real-time digital processing for greater transparency and accountability.
- Scheme Structure: PM-AJAY is a 100% Centrally Funded Scheme comprising three main components: development of SC-majority villages into Adarsh Grams, Grants-in-Aid for socio-economic projects, and construction/repair of hostels.
Static GK Facts:
- Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment: Dr. Virendra Kumar Khatik.
- Background of PM-AJAY: The scheme was formulated in 2021-22 by merging three erstwhile central schemes (Special Central Assistance to SCSP, SCA to Special Component Plan, and PMAGY).
- Primary Objective: Holistic socio-economic and educational empowerment of Scheduled Caste (SC) communities.
One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):
Q: How many villages have been declared Adarsh Grams under the PM-AJAY scheme as of September 2026?
A: 18,093 villages
Q: Which Union Ministry implements the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY)?
A: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
Q: What is the funding pattern of the PM-AJAY scheme?
A: 100% Centrally Funded Scheme
Q: How many student hostels have been completed under the PM-AJAY scheme as of September 2026?
A: 785 hostels
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