4,928 Villages Designated as Adarsh Gram, Benefiting Over 4.2 Lakh Individuals This Fiscal Year
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Synopsis
As of March 19, 2023, 4,928 villages have been designated as Adarsh Gram, benefiting over 4.2 lakh individuals. The initiative aims to enhance socio-economic development in SC-dominated areas through improved infrastructure and services, as reported in Parliament.
Key Takeaways
- 4,928 villages recognized as Adarsh Gram.
- 4,25,821 beneficiaries this fiscal year.
- 9,549 projects approved under PM-AJAY scheme.
- 866 hostels sanctioned for SC students.
- Venture Capital Fund supports SC entrepreneurship.
New Delhi, March 19 (NationPress) A total of 4,928 villages have been recognized as Adarsh Gram, benefiting 4,25,821 individuals this fiscal year, which has facilitated socio-economic progress by providing essential infrastructure and services in villages predominantly inhabited by Scheduled Castes (SC), the government reported to Parliament on Wednesday.
Under the 'Grants-in-aid' segment of the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana, a total of 9,549 projects have received approval, with central assistance amounting to Rs 1,219.80 crore released, benefiting 2,01,006 SC individuals, as stated by Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale, in a written response to the Rajya Sabha.
The PM-AJAY scheme, a centrally-sponsored initiative, has been in effect since 2021-22. This scheme encompasses three elements: Adarsh Gram, Grants-in-aid for District/State-level Projects aimed at enhancing the socio-economic status of SC communities, and Hostels.
To date, 866 hostels have been sanctioned under the hostel component of PM-AJAY, benefiting 69,212 individuals and releasing an amount of Rs 936.27 crore, thus promoting quality education for students from scheduled castes.
Among the hostels approved, 96 are currently under construction.
Meanwhile, the government has rolled out various initiatives to foster entrepreneurship and innovation among scheduled castes.
The Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes (VCF-SC), with a corpus of Rs 750 crore, offers concessional financing ranging from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 15 crore at a 4 percent coupon rate. This fund is overseen by IFCI Venture Capital Ltd.
Furthermore, the Ambedkar Social Innovation and Incubation Mission (ASIIM) supports SC students, researchers, and entrepreneurs through Technology Business Incubators (TBIs) and Atal Incubation Centers (AICs).
Under ASIIM, Rs 30 lakh equity funding is provided over three years to assist start-ups in sectors like agriculture technology, IT, environment, waste management, and green energy.
So far, 245 SC-owned businesses have received financial aid totaling Rs 588.4 crore under the Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes, including those supported by ASIIM, as reported by the government.
