What happened (2026 Lok Sabha proposal on PM-AJAY continuation)
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment informed the Lok Sabha that the Central Government will continue Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) beyond its current period. The proposal covers continuation from 2026–27 to 2030–31 with an enhanced financial outlay. The policy proposal is linked to an independent evaluation by the Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO), NITI Aayog.
Government’s evaluation claim (DMEO, NITI Aayog) and scheme outcomes
The DMEO evaluation findings were presented as evidence that PM-AJAY aligns with inclusive and equitable development goals. The evaluation concluded that PM-AJAY improved access to basic infrastructure and services and supported socio-economic advancement in beneficiary villages.
The Lok Sabha reply states that the evaluation reported improvements in areas such as:
• basic infrastructure access
Related current affairs
- Government to strengthen residential education and hostel facilities for SC and tribal students through PM-AJAY, SHRESHTA and EMRS
- Proposed PACER scheme budget for polar and ocean research: ₹270 crore for 2026–27
- PM-AJAY supports higher education access in Manipur through 100-bedded SC Girls Hostel at Dhanamanjuri University
- National AI Skilling Initiative Phase I enrolments reach 60,253; IICT and private partners develop curriculum
- Parliament Question: Mission Karmayogi—iGOT Karmayogi expansion and capacity building updates
- Centre reviews PM-YASASVI implementation in Maharashtra; corrective steps to improve scholarship coverage
