The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme is a flagship initiative of the Government of India aimed at providing financial assistance to farmers across the nation. This Central Sector Scheme seeks to bolster the income of landholding farmer families by addressing their agricultural and domestic needs.
Recent Developments
The Government recently released the 16th installment of the PM-KISAN benefits through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), reinforcing its commitment to ensuring timely financial support for the agricultural community.
Quick Facts about PM-KISAN
- Type: Central Sector Scheme
- Purpose: To supplement the financial needs of landholding farmers for procuring agricultural inputs and meeting domestic requirements.
- Beneficiaries: All landholding farmer families, subject to specific exclusions.
- Benefit Amount: ₹6,000 annually, disbursed in three equal installments of ₹2,000 every four months.
Objectives of PM-KISAN
The scheme aims to provide income support to landholding eligible farmer families. These families include the farmer, their spouse, and minor children, ensuring holistic support for agricultural activities and household needs.
Salient Features of PM-KISAN
1. Land Record Requirement
Land records are mandatory for identifying beneficiaries. However, exceptions are provided for forest dwellers, Northeastern states, and regions like Jharkhand with separate land record provisions.
2. Beneficiary Identification
The responsibility of identifying eligible farmers lies with the respective state or union territory governments.
3. Self-Registration Mechanism
Farmers can self-register through multiple platforms:
- PM-KISAN mobile app
- PM-KISAN portal
- Common Service Centers (CSC)
4. Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Linkage
PM-KISAN beneficiaries are eligible to receive Kisan Credit Cards, facilitating access to short-term loans for crop cultivation and animal/fish rearing. The loans come with a maximum interest rate of 4% on timely repayment.
5. Fund Diversion Prevention Measures
The scheme incorporates robust mechanisms to prevent fund misuse, including:
- Physical verification of 5% of beneficiaries annually.
- Aadhar-based authentication.
- Exclusion of income tax payees.
6. Project Management Unit (PMU)
A dedicated Project Management Unit has been established at the central level to oversee the scheme’s implementation. States are encouraged to establish similar PMUs for enhanced monitoring.
7. Grievance Redressal Mechanism
Any grievances received by the Grievance Redressal Committee are expected to be resolved within two weeks, ensuring timely solutions to farmers’ concerns.
Exclusions Under PM-KISAN
Certain categories of beneficiaries are excluded, including:
- Institutional landholders.
- Individuals holding constitutional posts.
- Serving or retired officers and employees of the state/central government, public sector undertakings, and autonomous bodies.
- Professionals such as doctors, engineers, and lawyers earning above a specified threshold.
Benefits of PM-KISAN
For Farmers
The scheme ensures direct income support, empowering farmers to manage agricultural expenses and household needs efficiently.
For the Government
PM-KISAN facilitates priority sector lending and promotes agricultural growth while supporting rural development and financial inclusion.
For Consumers
By stabilizing farmers’ financial conditions, the scheme enhances productivity, potentially leading to stable food prices and a robust supply chain.
Conclusion
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme is a transformative initiative addressing the economic challenges faced by farmers. By offering timely financial assistance and integrating additional benefits like KCC, it aims to strengthen India’s agricultural backbone. The recent release of the 16th installment underscores the government’s commitment to sustaining the rural economy and ensuring the welfare of millions of farmers nationwide.
For more details or to check your beneficiary status, visit the official PM-KISAN portal.