Parliamentary Panel Flags Low Fund Utilisation in PM-AJAY Scheme

Recent reports by Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment show problems in running PM-AJAY. During 2025-26, only 17% of the ₹920.20 crore budget for Grants-in-Aid was used. This adds up to just ₹156.77 crore.

Committee members noted that while 1,785 projects were approved under three-year plans, the department does not have current status details for these. Since 2023-24, total fund use has stayed below 35%. Government data shows payments rose to ₹358.62 crore in 2025-26. Still, they admit that state-level work is below what is needed.

Proposed changes

To fix these issues, the government wants to raise money help for work activities from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000. Proposed reforms also include a better monitoring system with real-time data tracking. These changes aim to make sure the scheme helps SC communities with skill development and income generation.