Title: The Aadhaar Bank Account Seeding Status Is Not Included in PM-KISAN Registration
Introduction:
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme was launched by the Government of India in 2019 with the aim of providing financial assistance to small and marginal farmers across the country. Under this scheme, eligible farmers receive direct income support of Rs. 6,000 per year in their bank accounts. While the registration process for PM-KISAN is relatively straightforward, it is essential to understand that the Aadhaar bank account seeding status is not included in the registration requirements.
PM-KISAN Registration Requirements:
To avail the benefits of the PM-KISAN scheme, farmers must satisfy a few registration criteria. These criteria include the following:
1. Ownership of cultivable land: Farmers must own the cultivable land they are currently engaged in agricultural activities on. The scheme does not extend to tenant farmers or sharecroppers.
2. Farmer classification: The scheme primarily targets small and marginal farmers. According to the guidelines, a small farmer is one with a landholding of up to two hectares, while a marginal farmer has a landholding of up to one hectare.
3. Active bank account: Farmers must possess an active bank account to receive the direct income support. The bank account can be in any recognized bank or financial institution.
The Role of Aadhaar in PM-KISAN:
While the PM-KISAN scheme requires farmers to have an active bank account, it is important to note that the Aadhaar bank account seeding status is not a part of the registration process. Earlier, the government had made it mandatory for beneficiaries to link their Aadhaar card with their bank accounts to receive any subsidies or benefits. However, this requirement was later modified, allowing farmers to receive their PM-KISAN assistance regardless of Aadhaar linkage.
Impact of the Change:
This significant change in policy regarding Aadhaar linkage is aimed at ensuring that farmers, especially those who may not possess an Aadhaar card or face any issues with linking it to their bank accounts, are not excluded from availing the benefits of the PM-KISAN scheme. The government recognizes that financial inclusion should not be hindered by any documentation requirements, thereby making the scheme more accessible to farmers in need.
Conclusion:
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme aims to provide financial assistance directly to small and marginal farmers across India. While the registration process for PM-KISAN requires farmers to own cultivable land and possess an active bank account, it does not include the Aadhaar bank account seeding status. This change in policy ensures that farmers without an Aadhaar card or those facing issues with the linkage are not excluded from the scheme. The government’s effort to make the scheme more accessible to all eligible farmers is commendable, as it prioritizes financial inclusion and welfare in the agricultural sector.