PM-AJAY releases Rs 1,730 crore to states for skilling 2.5 lakh beneficiaries

The Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojna (PM-AJAY) has released over Rs 1,730 crore directly to states under its Grants-in-Aid component. These funds, disbursed from the financial year 2021-22 to 2025-26, are designated for extending skilling and livelihood support to more than 2.5 lakh individual and group beneficiaries across the country.

PM-AJAY, a merged scheme of three erstwhile centrally sponsored schemes, aims to advance the socio-economic and educational empowerment of Scheduled Caste communities. The initiative focuses on promoting sustainable livelihoods, quality education, and improved infrastructure, particularly in SC-majority villages.

Skilling and Livelihood Support

The scheme’s primary objective includes providing detailed skilling and livelihood support to Scheduled Caste individuals and groups. The release of over Rs 1,730 crore to states underscores the government’s commitment to these interventions, which are designed to foster economic independence and upliftment within these communities.

The funds are intended to support various training programs and support mechanisms that equip beneficiaries with the necessary skills for sustainable employment and entrepreneurial ventures. This component is crucial for addressing economic disparities and enhancing the overall quality of life for the target population.

Adarsh Gram Initiative Progress

Under its Adarsh Gram component, PM-AJAY has covered 47,243 villages, benefiting over 47.79 lakh citizens across the country. This initiative focuses on transforming SC-majority villages into ‘Adarsh Grams’ (model villages) by addressing critical gaps in infrastructure and services.

As of September 8, 2026, a total of 18,093 villages have been officially declared as Adarsh Grams. The scheme has also seen the completion of 46,944 development works and the preparation of 27,032 Village Development Plans (VDPs), indicating significant progress in rural infrastructure and planning.

Hostel Infrastructure Development

PM-AJAY also includes a significant focus on educational infrastructure, particularly through the construction and repair of student hostels. As of September 2026, a total of 785 student hostels have been completed, aiming to enable and encourage Scheduled Caste students to attain quality education.

For the financial year 2026-27, the Government of India has allocated central assistance of Rs 61.46 crore for the construction of two new hostel projects. These projects, one for girls and one for boys, are projected to provide accommodation for an additional 264 students, further expanding access to educational facilities.

Digital Transition for Enhanced Monitoring

The Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojna (PM-AJAY) has recently launched a dedicated Mobile App and Portal to enhance the scheme’s effectiveness and outreach. These digital platforms are designed to support a transition from traditional paper-based workflows to an end-to-end digital system, operating in real-time. This initiative, as stated by the Government of India, aims to simplify operations and improve monitoring mechanisms for PM-AJAY initiatives.

The digital transformation through the ‘PM-AJAY’ Mobile App and ‘PM-AJAY’ Portal is intended to ensure greater transparency and efficiency in rolling out the scheme. The official platform for the scheme’s operations is accessible at pmajay.dosje.gov.in. This move is part of the scheme’s ongoing efforts to expand and use technology for stronger monitoring and last-mile delivery, ultimately enhancing its overall impact.

Written by Nishit Kumar

Nishit Kumar is a senior EdTech industry leader with over a decade of experience in building and scaling education platforms, shaping their product, content, and growth strategy. At FindMyCollege, Nishit oversees content and editorial strategy, guiding topic selection and content frameworks to ensure accuracy, relevance, and student-first value across the website.

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