Assam minister attends first meeting of CAC of PM-AJAY; requests Union Minister to raise hostel component and setting up Divyang University in Assam

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaFebruary 8, 2025

Assam Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Pijush Hazarika urged the Central Advisory Committee (CAC) of Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyudaya Yojana (PM-AJAY) to raise the hostel component for Assam and the Northeast Region under the scheme.

The Minister said this while addressing the first meeting of CAC of PM-AJAY at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre here on Saturday.

Hazarika appealed to the CAC to raise the hostel component from the existing Rs.20 lakh under the scheme “Compared to other parts of the country, the Northeast Region requires more support and assistance under the hostel component of the scheme,” he quipped.

Hazarika assured that the Government of Assam is committed to ensuring the transformation of the lives of the Scheduled Caste communties under the PM-AJAY.

The day-long meeting chaired by Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr.Virendra Kumar was attended by members of CAC, Ministers of concerned departments from various states and senior officials from different ministries.

Reiterating the government’s unwavering commitment towards holistic development of SC communities, Union Minister Dr. Kumar stated, “PM-AJAY plays a crucial role in addressing socio-economic disparities. Through focused interventions and collaborative efforts, we are working towards empowering SC individuals and promoting inclusive growth.”

A Centrally sponsored scheme, the PM-AJAY launched in 2021-22 consists of three components namely the Adarsh Gram Component, grants-in-aid to State/district level Projects Component, and Hostel Component.

Apart from giving overall guidance and monitoring, the CAC will specifically address broad policy issues and assess the socio-economic impact of the scheme and issue supplementary implementation guidelines from time to time.

Later, taking to X, Minister Hazarika wrote, “Had the privilege of attending the first meeting of the Central Advisory Committee (CAC) of Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyudaya Yojana (PM-AJAY) today, chaired by Hon’ble Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr.@Drvirendrakum13 Ji, at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi.

Launched in 2021-22 under the visionary leadership of HPM Shri @narendramodi Ji, PM-AJAY aims to bring transformative socio-economic upliftment to the Scheduled Caste communities across India through various initiatives in education, poverty eradication and skill development.

We are committed to ensuring that every initiative under PM-AJAY brings transformation to the lives of our people. Hon’ble Ministers of concerned departments from various states and senior officials were also present at the meeting.”

Minister Hazarika also met Union Minister Dr. Kumar and urged him to consider establishing India’s first Divyang University in Assam. He said that setting up a dedicated institution would go a long way in empowering the divyangjans through education, skill development and empowerment contributing to nation-building and societal progress.

The Union Minister gave a patient hearing to the plea made by State Minister Hazarika. “Today, I had the privilege of meeting Hon’ble Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment, @Drvirendrakum13 Ji, in New Delhi.

During our meeting, I requested the Central Government, led by our visionary leader, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji, through the Hon’ble Minister, to consider establishing India’s first Divyang University in Assam.

On behalf of the Govt. of Assam, under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. @himantabiswa Dangoriya, I conveyed that our Govt. believe that this dedicated institution will empower Divyangjans through education, skill development and empowerment, making a significant contribution to nation-building and societal progress.

The Hon’ble Union Minister gave a patient hearing to our request,” Minister Hazarika posted on X.