Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) is a comprehensive and integrated development scheme of the Government of India aimed at the socio-economic upliftment of Scheduled Caste (SC) communities. The scheme focuses on addressing poverty, reducing inequality, and improving living standards through a combination of area-based development and individual-centric interventions. PM-AJAY reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive growth, social justice, and equitable access to development opportunities.

The primary objective of PM-AJAY is to reduce poverty and economic vulnerability among Scheduled Castes by creating sustainable livelihood opportunities and improving access to basic infrastructure and services. Many SC communities continue to face structural disadvantages, limited economic opportunities, and inadequate access to essential amenities. PM-AJAY seeks to bridge these gaps through targeted planning and coordinated implementation.

A key pillar of PM-AJAY is income generation and livelihood support. The scheme promotes self-employment, entrepreneurship, and wage employment through skill development, vocational training, and support for income-generating activities. Beneficiaries are encouraged to engage in agriculture, allied activities, small enterprises, services, and other locally relevant economic activities. These interventions aim to enhance household income, reduce dependence on low-paying informal work, and promote economic self-reliance.

Skill development and capacity building form an integral part of the scheme. PM-AJAY supports training programs aligned with local market demand, enabling beneficiaries to acquire employable skills and improve their participation in the workforce. By equipping individuals with relevant skills and certifications, the scheme enhances employability and opens pathways to stable and dignified livelihoods.

In addition to individual empowerment, PM-AJAY emphasizes area-based infrastructure development in SC-dominated regions. This includes the creation and improvement of essential infrastructure such as housing, roads, sanitation facilities, drinking water supply, community assets, and basic service centers. Improved infrastructure not only enhances quality of life but also supports economic activities, access to education and healthcare, and overall community development.

Access to essential services is a critical component of PM-AJAY. The scheme supports initiatives related to housing, sanitation, clean drinking water, and other basic amenities that are fundamental to health, dignity, and well-being. These interventions contribute to improved living conditions and help address long-standing disparities in access to public services.

PM-AJAY adopts a holistic and sustainable development approach, ensuring that economic growth is accompanied by social empowerment and community participation. By integrating livelihood enhancement with infrastructure development and service delivery, the scheme creates durable development models tailored to the needs of SC communities.

Overall, PM-AJAY aims to uplift Scheduled Caste communities through inclusive and sustainable development, ensuring equity, dignity, and opportunity. By translating policy intent into measurable outcomes, the scheme plays a vital role in strengthening social justice and building a more inclusive and empowered society.

PM-AJAY (Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana)