Which ministry implements the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY)?
- A.Ministry of Rural Development
- B.Ministry of Tribal Affairs
- C.Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
- D.Ministry of Panchayati Raj
Show answer
Correct answer: C. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
Explanation
The correct answer is the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. PM-AJAY is the umbrella scheme for the Scheduled Castes and it is carried out by that ministry, which handles the welfare of Scheduled Castes, backward classes, senior citizens and persons with disabilities. The scheme is fully funded by the Centre, began in FY 2021-22, and works through the Adarsh Gram component, grants-in-aid for state and district projects, and hostels for Scheduled Caste students. The Ministry of Rural Development is wrong: it runs rural roads, employment and housing programmes, not this scheme, although Adarsh Gram work happens in villages. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is wrong because it looks after Scheduled Tribes, a separate group, while PM-AJAY is meant for Scheduled Castes, who make up 16.6% of the population. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj is wrong as well; it strengthens panchayats as institutions and does not implement PM-AJAY. Aspirants should also remember that the scheme merged three earlier schemes, PMAGY, SCA to SCSP and BJRCY.