Title: Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana: Key Queries Answered
Introduction:
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana (PM-Kisan) is a flagship government program aimed at providing direct income support to small and marginal farmers in India. Since its launch, the scheme has garnered significant attention and raised several queries among potential beneficiaries. This article aims to address some of the most commonly asked questions regarding the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana.
1. What is PM-Kisan?
PM-Kisan is a central sector scheme initiated by the Government of India in February 2019. The scheme aims to provide income support of ₹6,000 ($82) per year in three equal installments to eligible farming families across the country. The government hopes to supplement the financial requirements of farmers and enable them to meet their existing farm-related expenses.
2. Who is eligible to avail the benefits of PM-Kisan?
To be eligible for the PM-Kisan scheme, farmers must fulfill the following criteria:
a) The farmer’s landholding should be in his/her name.
b) The scheme caters to small and marginal farmers, including landholders with up to 2 hectares (5 acres).
c) The beneficiary should possess a valid and active Aadhaar card.
d) Commercial and institutional landholders are excluded from the scheme’s benefits.
3. How can farmers apply for PM-Kisan?
Farmers can apply for the PM-Kisan scheme through both online and offline modes. The online registration process involves visiting the official PM-Kisan website and providing the required details, including name, Aadhaar number, bank account details, and landholding information. Once the registration is complete, farmers will receive their financial aid directly into their bank accounts.
4. Is PM-Kisan a one-time payment or a recurring benefit?
PM-Kisan provides income support in the form of direct cash transfers to farmers. The ₹6,000 ($82) financial assistance is disbursed in three equal installments of ₹2,000 ($27) each. These installments are transferred to the beneficiary farmer’s bank account once every four months.
5. Are farmers required to repay the PM-Kisan assistance?
The PM-Kisan scheme is a non-repayable scheme, meaning farmers do not need to repay the money received through this scheme. The financial support is designed to bolster farmers’ income and help them meet their agricultural needs without any obligation to repay.
6. Are there any updates or modifications to the PM-Kisan scheme?
The PM-Kisan scheme undergoes regular updates and modifications to address the changing needs of beneficiaries. The government may make changes to the eligibility criteria, payment structure, or application process as required. To stay updated, farmers are encouraged to visit the official PM-Kisan website or seek information from authorized government offices.
Conclusion:
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana has emerged as a crucial support system for small and marginal farmers in India. By providing direct income support, the scheme aims to alleviate the financial burden on farmers and empower them to enhance agricultural productivity. Farmers seeking assistance through PM-Kisan are encouraged to acquaint themselves with the eligibility criteria, application process, and regular updates to fully utilize the scheme’s benefits.