Central Advisory Committee Maps Roadmap For PM-AJAY Upliftment
The committee reviewed performance from fiscal year 2021-22 to fiscal year 2025-26 and acknowledged progress. It recorded 15,387 villages declared as Adarsh Gram, more than Rs 17.3 billion (Rs 17.3 bn) released to states under the grant-in-aid component, and benefits to more than 0.25 million (0.25 mn) individual and group beneficiaries through asset creation and livelihood initiatives. Completion of 785 student hostels was noted to support residential facilities and higher education enrolment.
The committee noted rollout of the AJAY mobile application enabling digital field surveys in 24 Indian languages with geo-tagged, time-stamped photo verification for community assets. State and union territory representatives commended progress and sought higher allocations and improved convergence to strengthen outcomes. They urged enhanced financial support and closer on-ground coordination to translate policy into measurable results.
The CAC agreed a forward-looking roadmap for the next phase, endorsing increased scope across all three components to reach aspiring Scheduled Caste communities. It recommended a comprehensive approach to livelihood and skill development and additional funds for hostel construction to support educational empowerment. The committee asked states to implement the scheme in a time-bound manner and to utilise funds efficiently to sustain momentum.