Title: PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme – A Revolutionary Step towards Farmers’ Welfare
Introduction:
The Prime Minister-Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme was introduced by the Indian Government in February 2019 with the aim of providing direct income support to small and marginal farmers across the country. This scheme has emerged as a significant step towards uplifting the agricultural community and ensuring their financial security. Let’s dive deeper into the workings of this revolutionary initiative.
Objective and Eligibility:
The primary objective of PM-Kisan is to supplement the financial needs of farmers by providing them with direct income support. Under this scheme, eligible farmers receive a fixed income of ₹6,000 ($82) per year in three equal installments of ₹2,000 ($27) each. The financial aid is sent directly to the bank accounts of beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
To be eligible for the PM-Kisan scheme, farmers must meet certain criteria. They must be:
1. Small and marginal farmers who own cultivable land up to two hectares.
2. At least 18 years old as of the date of registration.
3. Able to produce a valid identity document such as an Aadhaar card or voter ID.
Implementation and Disbursement:
The PM-Kisan scheme is implemented at the central level but is implemented by the respective State and Union Territory governments. The responsibility of identifying beneficiaries, verifying their eligibility, and enrolling them into the scheme rests with the states and UTs. Once registered, farmers regularly receive the monetary support directly into their bank accounts.
Challenges and Resolutions:
The implementation of PM-Kisan has not been without challenges. Initially, there were concerns about the accuracy of the beneficiary list and potential duplications. However, to address such issues, the government has synchronized the PM-Kisan database with other welfare schemes to ensure that the benefits reach the intended recipients. Additionally, an online portal and helpline have been established to assist farmers in case of any issues or updates.
Impact and Benefits:
Since its inception, the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme has made a positive impact on the lives of farmers across the country. By providing direct income support, the scheme has helped farmers meet immediate financial requirements, invest in agricultural activities, and reduce their dependence on informal credit sources.
The benefits of PM-Kisan extend beyond immediate financial relief. The scheme promotes sustainable agricultural practices by enabling farmers to invest in modern equipment, high-yielding seeds, and improved farming techniques. This, in turn, enhances productivity and contributes to the overall growth of the agricultural sector.
Conclusion:
The PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme has proven to be a significant step towards ensuring the welfare and financial security of small and marginal farmers in India. By providing direct income support, the scheme has alleviated some of the financial burdens faced by farmers, enabling them to focus on improving their agricultural practices. As the scheme continues to evolve and overcome challenges, it holds the potential to transform the lives of millions of farmers and contribute to the growth of the agriculture sector in the country.