Guwahati: Assam Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Pijush Hazarika, has urged the Central Advisory Committee (CAC) of the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyudaya Yojana (PM-AJAY) to increase the hostel component for Assam and the Northeast region under the scheme.
Speaking at the first CAC meeting of PM-AJAY, held at Dr Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi on Saturday, Hazarika emphasized the need for greater financial support, citing the region’s unique challenges.
The meeting, chaired by Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr Virendra Kumar, was attended by CAC members, ministers from various states, and senior officials from different ministries.
He requested the committee to raise the hostel component from the existing Rs 20 lakh, emphasising that the Northeast requires additional support compared to other parts of the country.
“Compared to other parts of the country, the Northeast requires more assistance under the hostel component,” Hazarika said.
He reaffirmed Assam’s commitment to improving the lives of Scheduled Caste (SC) communities through the PM-AJAY scheme.
Hazarika met Union Minister Dr Kumar and proposed the establishment of India’s first Divyang University in Assam.
“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,” Minister Pijush Hazarika posted on X.
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… pic.twitter.com/bDCJARAxXP
— Pijush Hazarika (@Pijush_hazarika) February 8, 2025
He emphasised that such an institution would play a crucial role in empowering persons with disabilities through education, skill development, and other initiatives.
Dr. Kumar emphasized that PM-AJAY plays a crucial role in bridging socio-economic disparities.
“Through focused interventions and collaborative efforts, we are working towards empowering SC individuals and promoting holistic growth,” he said.
ALSO READ: Assam: NTPC partners with local authorities to upgrade infra at Kokrajhar District Jail
Launched in 2021-22, the PM-AJAY aims to bring transformative socio-economic uplift of the Scheduled Caste communities across India through various initiatives in education, poverty eradication and skill development.
