Title: PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana: Empowering Farmers for a Prosperous India
Introduction:
India, being an agrarian economy, heavily relies on its farmers for sustenance and growth. Recognizing their pivotal role in driving the nation’s progress, the Government of India launched the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana (PM-Kisan) in 2019. This ambitious initiative is designed to financially empower farmers across the country by providing them with a steady income and support for their welfare.
Objective and Features:
The primary objective of PM-Kisan is to augment the income levels of small and marginal farmers by providing them direct income support. Under this scheme, eligible farmers receive direct cash transfers of INR 6,000 (approximately $80) annually in three equal installments of INR 2,000. This direct benefit transfer (DBT) helps ensure that the funds reach the beneficiaries without any intermediaries or middlemen.
Eligibility Criteria:
To avail the benefits of PM-Kisan, farmers need to fulfill specific eligibility criteria. Firstly, they must be Indian citizens engaged in farming activities either individually or as a family. Secondly, they should own cultivable land, either by ownership or operational rights. Furthermore, PM-Kisan targets small and marginal farmers, which means those with landholding up to 2 hectares are eligible to apply.
Enrollment Process:
The enrollment process for PM-Kisan is straightforward and farmer-friendly. Farmers can apply for the scheme by visiting their nearest Common Service Centers (CSCs) or the local revenue officer’s office. Online registration is also available on the official PM-Kisan website. Applicants need to provide basic information like their name, age, gender, Aadhaar card number, bank account details, and landholding documents. Once verified, the funds are directly transferred to the farmer’s registered bank account.
Welfare Impact:
The PM-Kisan scheme has had a transformative impact on the lives of millions of farmers across India. By providing them a stable source of income, it helps reduce their financial vulnerabilities, addresses uncertainties, and encourages investments in farming activities. Additionally, the scheme ensures that farmers have the financial means to purchase essential farming inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and machinery, boosting agricultural production and productivity.
Budget Allocation and Progress:
Launched in February 2019, PM-Kisan has witnessed substantial progress in its implementation. The government allocated a budget of INR 6,000 crores (approximately $800 million) for the scheme during the first year. This allocation increased significantly to INR 75,000 crores (approximately $10 billion) in the following years. By the end of 2020, around 10.75 crore farmers were enrolled under PM-Kisan, with over INR 1.15 lakh crores ($15 billion) being transferred to their bank accounts.
Conclusion:
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana is an unparalleled initiative aimed at empowering small and marginal farmers and ensuring their financial well-being. Through its direct cash transfer mechanism, PM-Kisan has successfully elevated the rural economy, increased agricultural production, and improved farmers’ living standards. With a relentless focus on the welfare of farmers, this scheme plays a crucial role in building a prosperous and self-reliant India.