The Beneficiary Status of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana
The PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana is a landmark initiative by the Government of India aimed at providing direct income support to small and marginal farmers across the country. Launched in 2018, the scheme aims to uplift farmers by providing them financial assistance for their farming activities and ensuring their economic well-being.
For beneficiaries to qualify under the scheme, they must meet certain predetermined criteria outlined by the government. The eligibility criteria include:
1. Land Ownership: Only farmers who own cultivable land are eligible for the scheme. However, the scheme allows multiple members from the same family to apply separately if they meet the land ownership criterion.
2. Landholding Size: The scheme primarily caters to small and marginal farmers. Small farmers are defined as those who own up to two hectares of land, while marginal farmers have holdings of up to one hectare.
3. Farmer Categories: The scheme extends its benefits to farmers falling under various categories, such as individuals, institutional landholders, and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) who meet the eligibility requirements.
4. Aadhaar Requirement: To avail the scheme’s benefits, farmers must possess a valid Aadhaar card linked to their bank account. However, in some exceptional cases, Aadhaar enrolment proof can be used temporarily until the issuance of an Aadhaar card.
Once farmers meet the eligibility criteria, they can apply for assistance through the official website of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana. Alternatively, they can visit the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) authorized by the government to assist farmers in the application process. The CSCs play a crucial role in facilitating the registration process for farmers who lack access to internet connectivity or face technical challenges.
Upon successful registration, the farmers’ applications undergo a verification process to ensure that accurate and relevant information is provided. This verification process includes validation of land holding records and identification verification via Aadhaar card data.
Beneficiaries of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana receive financial assistance of INR 6,000 (approximately $80) per annum. This assistance is typically provided in three equal instalments directly to the bank accounts of eligible farmers. The funds can be used by farmers to meet various farming-related expenses, including the purchase of seeds, fertilizers, and other necessities required for farming activities.
To regularly update farmers about the status of their application and payment details, the government has established the “Farmer’s Corner” on the official website. Here, beneficiaries can log in using their Aadhaar credentials to check their application status, payment details, and rectify any discrepancies, if required.
The PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana is a significant step towards securing the financial stability of farmers in India. By providing direct income support, the scheme aims to mitigate the challenges faced by small and marginal farmers and promote agricultural development in the country. Moreover, this scheme has played a vital role in reducing farmer distress and improving their livelihoods by enabling them to meet their agricultural expenses effectively.