National 17 October 2026
18,093 Villages Declared Adarsh Grams Under PM-AJAY Scheme
Why in the News?
Under the **Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY)** implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, **18,093 SC-dominated villages have been declared Adarsh Grams** as of September 8, 2026.
Key Features / Major Points:
- Adarsh Gram Progress: Over 47,200 villages covered, benefiting 47.79 lakh SC citizens. A total of **46,944 development works** completed and **27,032 Village Development Plans (VDPs)** formulated.
- Grants-in-Aid Component: Approximately **₹1,730 crore** disbursed directly to States between FY 2021-22 and FY 2025-26, extending skilling and livelihood support to over 2.5 lakh beneficiaries.
- Student Hostels Built: **785 student hostels completed** by September 2026 to provide quality accommodation to SC students. Central assistance of ₹61.46 crore allocated for FY 2026-27.
- Tech-Driven Governance: Operationalized the **PM-AJAY Mobile App** and **PM-AJAY Portal** for real-time tracking, digital workflows, transparency, and data-backed decision-making.
- Funding Structure: PM-AJAY is a **100% Centrally Funded Scheme**. Up to 50% of funds are allocated for gap-filling activities in selected Adarsh Grams.
Static GK Facts:
- PM-AJAY Scheme Background: Launched in FY 2021-22 by merging three erstwhile schemes—(1) Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY), (2) Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Castes Sub Plan (SCA to SCSP), and (3) Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojana (BJRCY).
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
- Constitutional Provisions for Scheduled Castes:
- **Article 341:** Empowers the President to specify castes as Scheduled Castes in relation to a State/UT.
- **Article 338:** Mandates the establishment of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC).
One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):
Q: How many SC-dominated villages have been declared as 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: How many hostels for Scheduled Caste students have been completed under PM-AJAY as of September 2026?
A: 785 Hostels
Q: Which Article of the Constitution provides for the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC)?
A: Article 338
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