Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare, and Education of the Jammu and Kashmir Government, Sakina Itoo, today attended the Central Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting of the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) in New Delhi. Akashvani Jammu Correspondent reports that the CAC meeting was held under the chairmanship of Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, to review the progress of the scheme and formulate strategies aimed at the socio-economic upliftment of Scheduled Castes (SC) communities across India.

During the meeting, the CAC held extensive discussions on three components of the scheme, i.e., Adarsh Gram, Grant-in-aid, and Hostel component. The committee further deliberated on strategies to expand the scheme’s reach to a larger SC population and enhance its effectiveness. While presenting the status of J&K in the meeting, Sakeena Itoo highlighted that 91 CSCs, 4993 solar lights, 63 smart classes, 21 gyms (open/indoor), 11 smart libraries, and other infrastructure have been established at various locations across J&K under the scheme.

The minister also informed that 1715 students were trained under various trades like data entry operator, beauty therapist, CCTV, and solar panel installation technicians under this scheme. The minister underscored the importance of this scheme for enhancing the livelihood, education, and empowerment opportunities for SC communities. She emphasised the need for effective grassroots implementation, ensuring that the benefits of the scheme reach the intended beneficiaries in a transparent and efficient manner.