Context-

• Recently Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit jati Abhyudaya Yojana (PM-AJAY) includes 03 Centrally Sponsored Schemes namely Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY), Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCA to SCSP) and Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatravas Yojana (BJRCY) has been included.

 Key points -

• The scheme will be implemented from 2021-22 to reduce poverty of Scheduled Caste communities by creating additional employment opportunities through skill development, income generation schemes and other initiatives and to improve the socio-economic status of Scheduled Caste dominated villages by ensuring adequate infrastructure and required services.
•  It has been implemented with the aim of improving development indicators.

 Components of the plan -

• This scheme has 3 components namely;
• To develop Scheduled Caste dominated villages as model villages.
•  Grants-in-aid for District/State level projects for socio-economic betterment of Scheduled Caste communities including creation of infrastructure in Scheduled Caste majority villages including selected villages under Adarsh Gram component, construction of hostels/residential schools, holistic livelihood projects, skills Development etc.
• Construction of hostels in higher educational institutions which are ranked as per NIRF and which are fully or partially funded by the Central/State/UT Governments.
• Similarly, construction of hostels is included in schools funded wholly or partly by the Central/State/UT Governments and recommended by the Ministry of Education.