Title: PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana: Reviving the Agrarian Sector
Introduction:
In a country like India, where agriculture plays a significant role in sustaining the livelihood of millions, ensuring the prosperity of farmers is of utmost importance. Recognizing this, the Government of India introduced the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, popularly known as PM-Kisan, in February 2019. This ambitious scheme aims to provide financial assistance to small and marginal farmers, empowering them to overcome financial hurdles and improve their overall quality of life.
Objective of PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana:
The primary objective of PM-Kisan is to provide income support to farmers and address the income disparity existing in the agricultural sector. Under this scheme, eligible farmers receive direct income support of ₹6,000 per year, provided in three equal installments of ₹2,000 each. The funds are directly transferred into the registered bank accounts of the beneficiaries, helping farmers meet their agricultural input expenses.
Eligibility Criteria:
To avail the benefits of PM-Kisan, farmers must meet specific eligibility criteria set by the government. The scheme primarily targets small and marginal farmers, who own land up to 2 hectares. However, the exclusion criteria include individuals who fall under the following categories:
1. Institutional landowners
2. Those holding a position in government offices
3. Tax-paying farmers with high-income brackets
4. Professionals such as doctors, engineers, and lawyers, among others
5. Retired pensioners with a monthly pension above ₹10,000
Initiatives to Streamline Implementation:
To ensure the effective implementation of PM-Kisan, the government has taken several notable steps:
1. Aadhaar Linkage: Farmers are required to link their Aadhaar cards with their PM-Kisan accounts to mitigate duplication and ensure accurate identification of beneficiaries.
2. National Electronic Fund Management System (NeFMS): The NeFMS platform has been developed to ensure the seamless transfer of funds to beneficiaries. It allows direct transfer to the bank accounts of farmers, eliminating intermediaries and possibilities of corruption.
3. Grievance Redressal System: A well-structured grievance redressal mechanism has been put in place to address any complaints or issues faced by farmers during the application, registration, or fund transfer processes.
Impact and Achievements:
Since its inception, PM-Kisan has had a considerable impact on the lives of farmers. The scheme has successfully provided economic relief to millions of small and marginal farmers across the country, particularly during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. It has played a crucial role in addressing financial insecurities, allowing farmers to invest in better agricultural practices, such as purchasing modern equipment, fertilizers, and seeds, ultimately leading to increased productivity and income.
Conclusion:
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana (PM-Kisan) stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to the welfare of farmers. By providing direct financial support to small and marginal farmers, the scheme has played an instrumental role in addressing rural poverty and uplifting the agricultural sector. PM-Kisan continues to bridge the income gap and empower farmers to achieve sustainable agricultural growth, ultimately contributing to the overall development of the nation.