Daily Current Affairs : 2-March-2024

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment currently inaugurated and laid the foundation for 34 residential hostels throughout various states and central institutes. This initiative is part of the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojna (PM-AJAY) and aims to offer accommodation for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) students. This essay explores the importance of this initiative and the goals of PM-AJAY.

What is PM-AJAY?

PM-AJAY is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme designed to alleviate poverty among Scheduled Castes while promoting education and literacy. The major goals of this scheme are:

  • Poverty Reduction: The program seeks to lift SC communities out of poverty.
  • Increasing Literacy Rates: It encourages higher enrollment of SC students in colleges and schools.

Key Components of PM-AJAY

PM-AJAY consists of several critical components that work together to enhance the lives of SC communities:

  • Adarsh Gram Development: The scheme focuses on transforming SC-dominated villages into “Adarsh Gram” or model villages. This aims to improve the socio-economic status of these communities.
  • Financial Support for Projects: Grants-in-aid are provided for district and state-level projects that promote the socio-economic upliftment of SC communities. This funding helps implement various developmental initiatives.
  • Hostel Construction: One of the most vital aspects of PM-AJAY is the construction of hostels in Higher Educational Institutes (HEIs). These hostels are built in top-ranked institutions according to the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). They provide essential accommodation and support for SC students, allowing them to focus on their studies without worrying about living arrangements.
  • Monitoring and Evaluation: The scheme also allocates financial support for monitoring and evaluation. This ensures that the projects are implemented effectively and the desired impact is achieved.

Important Points:

Initiative Overview: 34 residential hostels inaugurated for SC and OBC students under PM-AJAY.Objective of PM-AJAY: Aims to reduce poverty and promote education among Scheduled Castes.Goals:

  • Poverty Reduction: Lifting SC communities out of poverty.
  • Increasing Literacy Rates: Encouraging SC student enrollment in schools and colleges.

Key Components:

  • Adarsh Gram Development: Transforming SC-dominated villages into model villages for socio-economic improvement.
  • Financial Support for Projects: Grants for district and state-level initiatives to uplift SC communities.
  • Hostel Construction: Building hostels in top-ranked Higher Educational Institutes (HEIs) to provide essential accommodation.
  • Monitoring and Evaluation: Financial support for tracking the effectiveness of the projects.

Why In News

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 34 residential hostels across various states and central institutes under the PM-AJAY initiative, aimed at addressing the accommodation needs of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) students, thereby fostering a more inclusive educational environment for these marginalized communities.

MCQs about Enhancing Opportunities for SC and OBC Students through PM-AJAY

  1. What is the primary objective of the PM-AJAY scheme?
    A. To increase employment opportunities for all citizens
    B. To promote tourism in rural areas
    C. To reduce poverty and promote education among Scheduled Castes
    D. To improve infrastructure in urban areas
    Correct Answer: C. To reduce poverty and promote education among Scheduled Castes
    Explanation: PM-AJAY is specifically designed to alleviate poverty among Scheduled Castes while encouraging their education and literacy.
  2. What significant development is part of the PM-AJAY initiative?
    A. Establishment of new universities
    B. Construction of residential hostels for SC and OBC students
    C. Launching scholarship programs for all students
    D. Creation of job fairs across the country
    Correct Answer: B. Construction of residential hostels for SC and OBC students
    Explanation: The scheme includes the construction of hostels in Higher Educational Institutes to provide accommodation for SC and OBC students.
  3. What is one of the components of PM-AJAY aimed at improving SC-dominated villages?
    A. Urbanization projects
    B. Development of “Adarsh Gram” (model villages)
    C. Introduction of new agricultural techniques
    D. Promotion of local handicrafts
    Correct Answer: B. Development of “Adarsh Gram” (model villages)
    Explanation: PM-AJAY focuses on transforming SC-dominated villages into model villages to enhance their socio-economic status.
  4. How does PM-AJAY ensure the effectiveness of its projects?
    A. By providing incentives for private institutions
    B. Through monitoring and evaluation financial support
    C. By conducting annual competitions
    D. By offering free education to all
    Correct Answer: B. Through monitoring and evaluation financial support
    Explanation: The scheme allocates funds for monitoring and evaluation to ensure that the projects are implemented effectively and achieve the desired impact.

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