Title: PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana: A Look at its Current Status
Introduction:
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, popularly known as PM-Kisan, was launched by the Government of India in February 2019 with the objective of providing financial support to millions of farmers across the country. The scheme aimed to alleviate agricultural distress and improve the financial conditions of the farming community. Now, let’s take a closer look at the current status of PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana.
Scheme’s Overview:
Under the PM-Kisan scheme, small and marginal farmers are eligible to receive direct income support of Rs. 6,000 per year in three equal installments. The financial assistance is directly deposited into the farmers’ bank accounts, helping them meet agricultural expenses and increase their productivity. The scheme considerably reduces the dependence of farmers on money lenders and middlemen, providing them with a more stable income source.
Current Reach and Beneficiaries:
Since its launch, the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana has witnessed rapid expansion and has benefited a substantial number of farmers throughout the country. As of September 2021, more than 11 crore farmers have received financial assistance under the scheme. This indicates that the program has been successful in reaching its intended beneficiaries, providing them with a much-needed financial cushion to support their farming activities.
Increased Allocation and Budget:
The Government of India has consistently increased the budgetary allocation for PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana. In the Union Budget 2021-22, an allocation of Rs. 65,000 crore was made, ensuring the continuity and expansion of the scheme. This increased budgetary allocation signifies the government’s commitment to supporting and uplifting farmers, even during challenging times.
Inclusion of All Farmers:
One of the recent developments concerning PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana is the inclusion of all farmers under its ambit. Earlier, the scheme only covered small and marginal farmers, excluding those who owned more than two hectares of land. However, the government decided to remove this limitation in June 2019, aiming to benefit all farmers, regardless of landholding size. This step towards inclusivity ensures that a larger section of the farming community can now access the scheme’s financial support.
Digitization and Ease of Implementation:
PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana heavily relies on digitization, emphasizing seamless implementation and reducing leakages or corruption in the system. Farmers must register themselves under this scheme by providing accurate details about their landholding and bank account information. The program has made significant progress in ensuring a smooth and transparent transfer of funds to the rightful beneficiaries.
Conclusion:
The PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana has emerged as a significant initiative by the Government of India to empower and uplift small and marginal farmers. Its rapid expansion and the significant number of beneficiaries highlight the scheme’s positive impact across the nation. By providing direct income support to farmers, irrespective of landholding size, the government aims to alleviate financial burdens and promote agricultural growth. The increased budgetary allocation and continued efforts to improve implementation reflect the government’s dedication to farmers’ welfare. Overall, the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana stands as a crucial step towards comprehensive agricultural development in India.