Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Feb 8: Sakeena Itoo, the Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare, and Education, was present at the Central Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting for the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) held here today.
The CAC, chaired by Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, convened to evaluate the progress of the scheme and to strategize on the socio-economic advancement of Scheduled Castes (SC) communities throughout India.
During the meeting, extensive discussions took place regarding three main components of the scheme: Adarsh Gram, Grant-in-aid, and the Hostel component. The committee also explored approaches to broaden the scheme’s outreach to a larger SC demographic and improve its effectiveness. It emphasized the need to strengthen collaborations at the State and District levels, encouraged more community engagement, and called for timely implementation and monitoring of projects to maximize impact.
Presenting the status for Jammu and Kashmir, Sakeena Itoo pointed out that 91 Common Service Centers (CSCs), 4993 Solar lights, 63 Smart classes, 21 Gyms (both Open and Indoor), 11 Smart Libraries, and other infrastructure have been set up in various regions of J&K under the scheme. Additionally, she noted that 1715 students have received training in various fields including Data Entry Operator, Beauty Therapist, and CCTV/Solar Panel Installation Technicians through this initiative.
The Minister stressed the significance of this scheme in boosting the livelihood, educational, and empowerment prospects for SC communities. She highlighted the necessity for effective grassroots implementation to ensure that the scheme’s benefits reach the intended recipients in a transparent and efficient way.
Accompanying the Minister was Dr. Rehana Akhter Bijli, Additional Secretary of the Social Welfare Department for the J&K Government and the Nodal Officer for coordination of PM-AJAY.
