Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana
A central government scheme targeting Scheduled Caste-majority villages for holistic, integrated development by converging multiple government schemes and filling infrastructure gaps. Each selected village receives ₹20 lakh in gap-filling funds for infrastructure not covered by other schemes, and is eventually declared an "Adarsh Gram" upon meeting development benchmarks. Village panchayats in eligible SC-majority areas are selected by district administrations — no individual application is needed.
About This Scheme
A central government scheme targeting Scheduled Caste-majority villages for holistic, integrated development by converging multiple government schemes and filling infrastructure gaps. Each selected village receives ₹20 lakh in gap-filling funds for infrastructure not covered by other schemes, and is eventually declared an "Adarsh Gram" upon meeting development benchmarks. Village panchayats in eligible SC-majority areas are selected by district administrations — no individual application is needed.
Full official description
With a view to enabling an area-based development approach, a new scheme Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY) was launched during 2009-10. The Scheme aims at integrated development of Scheduled Castes majority villages.
The principal objective of PMAGY is the integrated development of SC majority Villages:
(a) Primarily through convergent implementation of the relevant Central and State/UT Government Schemes; and
(b) By taking up identified activities, which do not get covered under the existing Central and State Government Schemes, through ‘Gap-filling’ funds provided as Central Assistance to the extent of ₹20,00,000/- per village.
The implementation of the Scheme was started on Pilot basis in 2009-10 and a total of 1000 villages was selected from 05 States namely Tamil Nadu (225), Rajasthan (225), Bihar (225), Himachal Pradesh (225) and Assam (100) were selected for this phase. All these 1000 villages have so far been declared as ‘Adarsh Gram’ by the respective State Governments.
The vision of an ‘Adarsh Gram'
An ‘Adarsh Gram’ is one wherein people have access to various basic services so that the minimum needs of all the sections of society are fully met and disparities are reduced to a minimum. These villages would have all such infrastructure and their residents will have access to all such basic services that are necessary for a dignified living, creating thereby an environment in which everyone is enabled to utilize her/his potential to the fullest.
Benefits
- ₹20 lakh per village in gap-filling funds for critical infrastructure not covered by other schemes
- Convergence with major central schemes including PMAY-G, MGNREGS, Ujjwala Yojana, and Swachh Bharat Mission
- Custom 5-year Village Development Plan based on household surveys across 50+ development indicators
- Infrastructure improvements in roads, electricity, sanitation, clean water, healthcare, schools, and Anganwadis
- Official recognition as "Adarsh Gram" once the village achieves a score of 70+ on development indicators and attains Open Defecation Free (ODF) status
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Village must have 50% or more Scheduled Caste (SC) population (villages with 40%+ SC may also qualify in some states)
- Must be recognized in the latest Census data with a total population of 500 or more
- Villages already covered under earlier phases of PMAGY are not eligible for re-selection
How to Apply
Step 1: Submission of Village Profile and Convergence Committee Details
Format Used: Format-1
The initial step involves submitting comprehensive details of the village, including demographic data and identification of the members of the Convergence Committee responsible for overseeing the implementation of the scheme at the local level.
Step 2: Only for - Assessment and Submission of Infrastructure Requirements and reparation of the Estimated Action Plan
Format Used: Format-2
An assessment is carried out to identify existing infrastructure gaps within the village. The findings are documented and submitted to the relevant authorities to support the preparation of the action plan.
Format Used: Format-4
A detailed action plan is prepared, estimating the scope of work, associated costs, and funding sources, including both convergent and gap-filling interventions.
Step 2: Only for - Household Survey to Identify Individual Needs and Mapping of Schemes to Identified Beneficiaries
Format Used: Format-3A
A door-to-door survey is conducted to assess the specific needs of individual households. This step ensures that interventions are need-based and inclusive.
Format Used: Format-3B
Based on the household survey, a beneficiary-wise mapping is done by linking relevant government schemes and welfare program to each eligible household.
Step 3: Formulation and Approval of Village Development Plan (VDP)
Format Used: VDP Document
The Village Development Plan, encompassing all proposed developmental activities, is finalized and submitted to the District Level Convergence Committee (DLCC) for review and formal approval.
Step 4: Implementation of Development Activities and Progress Reporting
Format Used: Submit Progress Format
Upon approval, implementation of the VDP begins. The district and village-level authorities ensure timely execution of activities and submit progress reports as per the defined monitoring mechanism.
Step 5: Declaration of the Village as “Adarsh Gram”
Criteria: Minimum Score of 70 and Open Defecation Free (ODF) Status
Following successful implementation and fulfilment of identified needs, the village is assessed. If it meets the evaluation criteria, it is officially declared as an “Adarsh Gram” by the competent district authority.
Note -
- For the Step 2- User can procedure either one for following plans:
- Assessment and Submission of Infrastructure Requirements and reparation of the Estimated Action Plan.
- Household Survey to Identify Individual Needs and Mapping of Schemes to Identified Beneficiaries.
- All the formal can be downloaded or accessible from Official document (page 30 onwards).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the objective of the Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY)?
The main objective of PMAGY is the integrated development of Scheduled Caste (SC) majority villages through the convergent implementation of existing schemes and additional support using gap-filling funds for unmet needs.
When was the PMAGY launched and in which states was it initially implemented?
PMAGY was launched in 2009-10 on a pilot basis in 1,000 villages across five states: Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, and Assam.
What is the eligibility criteria for a village to be selected under PMAGY?
Villages must:
- Have more than 50% SC population.- Have a total population greater than 500. Selection is done in descending order based on the percentage of SC population.
What is the vision of an ‘Adarsh Gram’?
An Adarsh Gram is a model village where all residents have access to basic services like housing, sanitation, health, education, employment, and no caste-based discrimination, enabling them to live a life of dignity.
What kind of financial support is provided under PMAGY?
Each selected village receives ₹20 lakh as Central Assistance under PMAGY for gap-filling activities not covered by existing schemes. The balance amount of **₹**1 lakh per village would be for administrative and other expenses
What are the key focus areas of development under PMAGY?
Development under PMAGY focuses on:
- Physical infrastructure (roads, electricity, water)
- Sanitation & environment
- Social infrastructure and human development
- Livelihood and skill development
- Social harmony and dignity
Are only Central Government schemes used for development under PMAGY?
No. PMAGY emphasizes convergent implementation of both Central and State/UT Government schemes, along with gap-filling funds to cover uncovered areas.
What is meant by ‘gap-filling’ under PMAGY?
‘Gap-filling’ refers to activities and needs of the village that are not covered under existing schemes. PMAGY provides funds specifically to fulfill these unmet needs.
What are the benefits to residents of a PMAGY village?
Residents benefit from:
- All-weather roads, safe drinking water, electricity
- Sanitary living conditions and solid waste management
- Functional schools, Anganwadi centers, health centers
- Skill training, employment opportunities, and social equality
How does PMAGY promote social harmony and inclusion?
The scheme works to eliminate untouchability, caste-based discrimination, and promotes dignity, equal rights, and active community participation through institutions like Gram Sabha, Mahila Mandals, and Youth Clubs.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Village Development Plan (VDP).
- Bank Account Details (for Implementing Agencies).
- Details of the Village PMAGY Convergence Committee.
- List of committee members with names, designations, contact details, and official approval by Gram Panchayat or concerned authority.
- Data on Percentage of Households Having Access to the Following Domains (as per prescribed format):
- Drinking Water and Sanitation.
- Health and Nutrition.
- Rural Roads and Housing.
- Electricity and Clean Fuel.
- Digitization.
- Education.
- Social Security.
- Agricultural Practices.
- Financial Inclusion.
- Livelihood and Skill Development.