Daily Current Affairs : 25-October-2023

The Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhuyday Yojana (PM-AJAY) is a significant initiative aimed at uplifting Scheduled Caste communities in India. This scheme consolidates three key Centrally Sponsored Schemes, namely Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY), Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Castes Sub Plan (SCA to SCSP), and Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojana (BJRCY), into a comprehensive program.

Objectives:

PM-AJAY primarily focuses on poverty reduction among Scheduled Caste communities by generating additional employment opportunities through skill development and income-generating schemes. The scheme aims to improve socio-economic developmental indicators by ensuring adequate infrastructure and essential services in villages dominated by Scheduled Castes.

Components of the Scheme:

1. Adarsh Gram:

  • Development of SC-dominated villages with necessary infrastructure and basic services.
  • Empowering residents to utilize their potential for a dignified living.

2. Grants-in-aid:

  • Funding District/State-level projects under Adarsh Gram.
  • Construction of hostels/residential schools and comprehensive livelihood projects.
  • Increasing income through livelihood projects and improving socio-economic indicators.
  • Encouraging SC enrollment in schools by providing residential facilities.
  • Construction/repair of hostels to facilitate quality education for SC students.
Eligibility Criteria:
  • Scheduled Castes individuals living below the poverty line.
  • Villages with 50% or more SC population are eligible for infrastructure development grants.
Scheme Coverage:

PM-AJAY is implemented across India, except in certain states and union territories, including Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mizoram, A & N Islands, Dadra Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu, Ladakh, and Lakshadweep.

Special Provisions:
  • Up to 15% of total grants exclusively for income-generating schemes/programs benefiting SC women.
  • Up to 30% of total grants allocated for infrastructure development.
  • At least 10% of total funds dedicated to skill development initiatives.
  • Promotion of SC women cooperatives engaged in production and marketing of consumer goods and services.

Important Points:

  • Objective:
    • Reduce poverty among Scheduled Caste communities.
    • Generate employment through skill development and income-generating schemes.
    • Improve socio-economic indicators via infrastructure and essential services in SC-dominated villages.
  • Components of the Scheme:
    • Adarsh Gram:
      • Development of SC villages with necessary infrastructure and services.
      • Empower residents for a dignified living and maximize their potential.
    • Grants-in-aid:
      • Funding for District/State-level projects under Adarsh Gram.
      • Construction of hostels/residential schools and livelihood projects.
      • Increase income and improve socio-economic indicators.
      • Encourage SC enrollment in schools via residential facilities.
      • Construction/repair of hostels for quality education for SC students.
  • Eligibility:
    • Scheduled Castes individuals living below the poverty line.
    • Villages with 50% or more SC population eligible for infrastructure grants.
  • Scheme Coverage:
    • Implemented nationwide, except in specific states and union territories.
  • Special Provisions:
    • Up to 15% of grants for income-generating schemes for SC women.
    • Up to 30% of grants for infrastructure development.
    • Minimum 10% of funds allocated to skill development initiatives.
    • Promotion of SC women cooperatives in production and marketing.
Why In News

The merger of three Centrally Sponsored Schemes into the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhuyday Yojana (PM-AJAY) marks a significant step towards streamlined governance, promoting social inclusivity and empowering marginalized communities, ensuring a brighter future for all.

MCQs about Economic Empowerment through PM-AJAY

  1. Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhuyday Yojana (PM-AJAY) primarily aims to:
    A. Enhance agricultural productivity
    B. Reduce poverty among Scheduled Caste communities
    C. Promote tourism in rural areas
    D. Improve healthcare facilities in urban centers
    Correct Answer: B. Reduce poverty among Scheduled Caste communities.
    Explanation: PM-AJAY aims to reduce poverty among Scheduled Caste communities by generating employment opportunities through skill development and income-generating schemes.
  2. Which component of PM-AJAY focuses on the development of SC-dominated villages with essential infrastructure and services?
    A. Adarsh Gram
    B. Grants-in-aid
    C. Special Provisions
    D. Skill Development Initiatives
    Correct Answer: A. Adarsh Gram
    Explanation: The Adarsh Gram component focuses on developing SC-dominated villages with necessary infrastructure and services.
  3. What is the eligibility criterion for villages to receive infrastructure development grants under PM-AJAY?
    A. Villages with a majority of elderly population
    B. Villages with 50% or more Scheduled Caste population
    C. Villages with high agricultural productivity
    D. Villages with prominent historical landmarks
    Correct Answer: B. Villages with 50% or more Scheduled Caste population.
    Explanation: Villages with 50% or more Scheduled Caste population are eligible for infrastructure development grants under PM-AJAY.
  4. How does PM-AJAY promote economic development among Scheduled Caste women?
    A. Allocating up to 15% of grants for income-generating schemes
    B. Providing free healthcare services
    C. Offering scholarships for higher education
    D. Subsidizing agricultural equipment purchases
    Correct Answer: A. Allocating up to 15% of grants for income-generating schemes.
    Explanation: PM-AJAY allocates up to 15% of grants exclusively for viable income-generating economic development schemes/programs for Scheduled Caste women, as mentioned in the special provisions of the scheme.

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