The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has reported significant progress under the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY), a centrally funded scheme designed to improve the lives of Scheduled Caste communities. As of September 2026, the scheme has declared 18,093 villages as Adarsh Grams—model villages where basic services and infrastructure meet minimum living standards.
The initiative now covers over 47,200 villages benefiting more than 47.79 lakh citizens. The scheme addresses infrastructure gaps, livelihood opportunities, skill development and educational access in Scheduled Caste-dominated areas across the country.
Key facts
- 18,093 villages declared as Adarsh Grams as of September 8, 2026
- Over 47,200 villages covered under PM-AJAY, benefiting 47.79 lakh citizens
- 46,944 development works completed
- 27,032 Village Development Plans prepared
- Approximately Rs 1,730 crore released to States as Grants-in-Aid during FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26
- 2.5 lakh individual and group beneficiaries reached through skilling and livelihood programmes
- 785 student hostels completed under the hostel component
- Rs 61.46 crore allocated for FY 2026-27 for two new hostel projects accommodating 264 students
What is an Adarsh Gram
Under PM-AJAY, an Adarsh Gram is a model village where the Scheduled Caste population has access to basic services, minimum living standards are assured for all sections of society, and economic and social disparities are minimised. The Ministry works to develop Scheduled Caste-dominated villages by filling critical gaps in infrastructure and essential services such as water, sanitation, electricity, roads, education and healthcare.
Three components of the scheme
PM-AJAY operates through three distinct components. The first transforms Scheduled Caste-dominated villages into Adarsh Grams with infrastructure and basic services. The second provides Grants-in-Aid to States and Districts for socio-economic projects focused on increasing incomes, promoting skill development and improving livelihood opportunities among Scheduled Castes. The third constructs and repairs hostels to enable Scheduled Caste students, particularly from rural and remote areas, to access quality education by providing residential accommodation.
Funding and financial support
PM-AJAY is 100 per cent centrally funded. States and Union Territories may add their own resources if needed. Of the total funds, up to 50 per cent can be used for gap-filling activities in selected Adarsh Gram villages. Up to 5 per cent is allocated for establishing Technical Support Groups and Project Implementation Units at central, state and district levels. Up to 2 per cent supports hostel construction, repair and maintenance, including support for central institutions. The remaining funds are distributed as Grants-in-Aid for district and state-level projects.
The allocation of Grants-in-Aid to States takes into account the size of the Scheduled Caste population and the ratio of State SCSP (Scheduled Caste Sub Plan) to the Annual Plan in relation to each State’s Scheduled Caste population.
Socio-economic projects and livelihoods
Between FY 2021-22 and FY 2025-26, approximately Rs 1,730 crore was released directly to States under the Grants-in-Aid component. This support has enabled skilling and livelihood programmes that reached more than 2.5 lakh individual and group beneficiaries. Projects focus on creating comprehensive income-generation opportunities, skill training aligned with market demands, and necessary infrastructure to support these activities.
Educational infrastructure and hostels
As of September 2026, the Ministry has completed 785 student hostels under PM-AJAY. These hostels are designed to help Scheduled Caste students from rural and remote areas access quality education by providing safe residential accommodation. For the financial year 2026-27, Rs 61.46 crore in central assistance has been allocated for two new hostel projects—one exclusively for girls and one for boys—that will accommodate 264 students combined. The Government of India also provides central assistance for the maintenance of hostels after construction.
Digital monitoring and implementation
The Ministry has launched a PM-AJAY Mobile App and PM-AJAY Portal to strengthen implementation and monitoring. These digital tools have replaced paper-based workflows with end-to-end digital processing on a real-time basis. The technology-enabled approach improves information access, monitoring and data-driven decision-making. It also enhances coordination, transparency, accountability and efficiency in delivering welfare interventions under the scheme.
What this means for you
If you live in a Scheduled Caste-dominated village declared as an Adarsh Gram, your village may receive infrastructure improvements including water supply, sanitation facilities, roads and electricity connections. If you are a Scheduled Caste student from a rural or remote area seeking quality education, you may gain access to subsidised hostel accommodation. If you are looking to start a business or develop a skill, your State government may offer livelihood and skill development programmes funded under PM-AJAY’s socio-economic component.
What happens next
After completion of infrastructure projects, maintenance and operation are the responsibility of State Governments or implementing agencies. The Ministry continues to expand the number of Adarsh Grams and will disburse Rs 61.46 crore for new hostel construction in FY 2026-27.