Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY)
“Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY) aims to develop SC-majority villages into model villages with holistic infrastructure, social empowerment, and access to basic services. Learn eligibility, benefits, and application process.”
Overview:
Launched in 2009-10, the Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY) aims to promote area-based, integrated development in villages with a majority Scheduled Caste (SC) population. The scheme focuses on improving infrastructure, basic services, and social inclusion to transform SC-majority villages into model villages, or “Adarsh Grams.”
Objectives:
- Integrated Development: Achieved by converging relevant Central and State/UT schemes.
- Gap-Filling: Addressing developmental gaps not covered under existing government schemes with central assistance of ₹20 lakh per village.
Pilot Phase:
- Implemented in 2009-10 on a pilot basis.
- 1000 villages selected across 5 states:
- Tamil Nadu – 225
- Rajasthan – 225
- Bihar – 225
- Himachal Pradesh – 225
- Assam – 100
- All selected villages have been declared Adarsh Gram by their respective state governments.
Vision of an Adarsh Gram:
An Adarsh Gram ensures access to essential services, reduces social disparities, and provides a dignified standard of living. The goal is to create an environment where every resident can realize their full potential.
Benefits of PMAGY
- Holistic Village Development: Targets SC-majority villages and aims to provide access to all basic services.
- Financial Support: ₹20 lakh per village for filling critical infrastructure and service gaps.
- Village Development Plan (VDP): A customized 5-year plan based on baseline surveys and local needs.
- Convergence of Schemes: Integrates multiple central/state schemes such as PMAY-G, MGNREGS, Ujjwala, SBM, etc.
- Infrastructure Improvements: Roads, electricity, sanitation, water supply, healthcare facilities, schools, and Anganwadis.
- Social Empowerment: Promotes social harmony, inclusion, and awareness in SC communities.
- Monitoring Framework: Progress tracked across 50+ indicators including education, health, and livelihoods.
- Indirect Benefits: Individuals benefit through improved village facilities rather than direct cash transfers.
Eligibility Criteria
- Village must have ≥50% SC population; in some states, ≥40% SC population is acceptable.
- Village should be recognized in the latest Census data.
- Preferably, villages with a population of ≥500.
- Villages previously selected under PMAGY are generally not re-selected.
Application Process
Step 1: Submission of Village Profile
- Submit village details and Convergence Committee members.
- Format used: Format-1
Step 2: Assessment and Planning (Choose one approach)
Option A: Infrastructure Assessment
- Identify existing gaps in village infrastructure.
- Submit estimated action plan and cost projections.
- Formats used: Format-2 and Format-4
Option B: Household Survey
- Conduct door-to-door surveys to identify household-specific needs.
- Map eligible beneficiaries to relevant government schemes.
- Formats used: Format-3A and Format-3B
Step 3: Village Development Plan (VDP)
- Formulate a comprehensive 5-year VDP.
- Submit for review and approval by the District Level Convergence Committee (DLCC).
Step 4: Implementation and Monitoring
- Begin execution of approved development activities.
- Submit progress reports regularly as per monitoring framework.
Step 5: Declaration as Adarsh Gram
- Villages meeting criteria (minimum score of 70 and Open Defecation Free status) are officially declared Adarsh Gram.
Required Documents
- Approved Village Development Plan (VDP)
- Bank account details of implementing agencies
- Details of the PMAGY Convergence Committee
- Names, designations, contacts, and official approval
- Data on household access to:
- Drinking water and sanitation
- Health and nutrition
- Roads and housing
- Electricity and clean fuel
- Digitization
- Education
- Social security
- Agricultural practices
- Financial inclusion
- Livelihoods and skill development
PMAGY FAQ
1. What is PMAGY?
The Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana is a scheme launched in 2009-10 to promote integrated development of villages with a majority Scheduled Caste (SC) population, turning them into model villages (“Adarsh Gram”) with access to basic services and infrastructure.
2. What is the main objective of the scheme?
- Integrated development of SC-majority villages.
- Convergent implementation of relevant Central and State schemes.
- Filling gaps in infrastructure and services with ₹20 lakh per village from central assistance.
3. Which villages are eligible?
- Villages with ≥50% SC population (≥40% in some states).
- Recognized in the latest Census.
- Preferably villages with ≥500 population.
- Villages previously covered under PMAGY are usually not re-selected.
4. What benefits does PMAGY provide?
- Holistic village development with access to basic services.
- Financial support for filling critical gaps (₹20 lakh per village).
- Creation of a 5-year Village Development Plan (VDP).
- Infrastructure improvements: roads, electricity, sanitation, water, schools, healthcare, Anganwadis.
- Social empowerment and inclusion of SC communities.
- Monitoring of progress across 50+ indicators in education, health, and livelihoods.
- Indirect benefits to individuals through improved village facilities.
5. How is the scheme implemented?
Implementation occurs in multiple steps:
- Village Profile Submission: Details of the village and convergence committee.
- Planning Phase: Choose either:
- Infrastructure Assessment: Identify gaps and prepare an action plan.
- Household Survey: Identify individual household needs and map beneficiaries to schemes.
- Village Development Plan (VDP): Formulate, submit, and get approval from District Level Convergence Committee.
- Implementation and Monitoring: Execute activities and submit progress reports.
- Declaration as Adarsh Gram: Village assessed and declared if it meets criteria (minimum score 70 + ODF).
6. What documents are required?
- Village Development Plan (VDP)
- Bank account details of implementing agency
- Convergence Committee details (names, designations, contacts, official approval)
- Data on household access to basic services like water, sanitation, education, electricity, health, livelihoods, etc.
7. Is there any direct cash benefit to villagers?
No, the scheme provides indirect benefits by improving infrastructure and access to services rather than direct cash transfers.
8. How much funding is provided per village?
Each selected village receives ₹20 lakh from the central government to fill gaps in infrastructure and services not covered under existing schemes.
9. Which government schemes are integrated under PMAGY?
The scheme leverages multiple central and state schemes such as:
- PMAY-G (Housing)
- MGNREGS (Employment)
- Ujjwala Yojana (Clean Fuel)
- Swachh Bharat Mission (Sanitation)
- Others relevant to education, health, and livelihoods
10. What is the goal of an “Adarsh Gram”?
A model village where:
- Minimum needs of all sections of society are met
- Disparities are minimized
- Residents have access to basic infrastructure and services
- Social inclusion, awareness, and harmony are promoted
