Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana (PM – Kisan) - Benefits for Small and Marginal Farmers in India
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana (PM-Kisan), launched in 2018, is a significant initiative by the Indian Government to provide financial aid to small and marginal farmers nationwide. This scheme aims to address the challenges faced by these farmers and improve their overall well-being.
Understanding the PM Kisan Scheme Objectives
Indian agriculture plays a vital role in the nation's economy. However, small and marginal farmers comprise a significant portion of the agricultural sector and often struggle financially due to various socio-economic factors. The PM-Kisan Yojana seeks to bridge this gap by offering them a minimum income support of Rs. 6,000 annually.
This financial assistance empowers farmers to meet their essential needs and invest in their agricultural endeavors. It can be used to purchase seeds, fertilizers, and other agricultural equipment, ultimately improving farm productivity and income in the long run.
Key Features of PM-Kisan Yojana
- Income Support: The core benefit of the scheme is the provision of Rs. 6,000 per year as minimum income support to eligible farmer families. This amount is disbursed in three equal installments of Rs. 2,000 every four months.
- Funding: The PM-Kisan Yojana is entirely funded by the Government of India. Initially, a budget of Rs. 75,000 crore per year was allocated for this scheme.
- Identification of Beneficiaries: Identifying eligible beneficiaries lies with the State and Union Territory governments. The scheme defines a farmer's family as a husband, wife, and minor children.
PM-Kisan Eligibility Criteria
- Landownership: Farmer families possessing cultivable land can apply for the benefits.
- Indian Citizenship: Only Indian citizens can register under the scheme.
- Income Tax Exclusion: Individuals who filed income tax returns in the previous assessment year or their family members are not eligible.
- Pension Exclusion: Individuals or their family members who are retired pensioners receiving a monthly pension of Rs. 10,000 or more are excluded, with exceptions for multi-tasking staff, Class IV, or Group D employees.
- Professional Exclusion: Families with professionals like doctors, engineers, chartered accountants, lawyers, and architects are not eligible.
- Constitutional Post Exclusion: Individuals who hold or have held a constitutional post are not entitled to benefits.
- Government Job Exclusion: Current or former government employees/officers (ministries, departments, offices, and field units), central or state PSU employees, and those in autonomous bodies under the government are excluded.
- Local Government Exclusion: Regular employees of local government bodies are not eligible.
- Political Office Exclusion: Current or former Members of Parliament (Lok Sabha/Rajya Sabha), state legislative assemblies, and district panchayats, along with mayors of municipal corporations, are excluded.
How to Register for PM-Kisan Scheme
- State Government Nodal Officers: Each state government appoints PM-Kisan nodal officers to facilitate registration.
- Local Patwaris or Revenue Officers: Farmers can approach these local authorities for registration.
- Shared Service Centres (CSCs): CSCs offer free registration services.
- Online Registration: The PM-Kisan Yojana portal allows online registration. Farmers can visit the website, navigate the Farmer's Corner section, and click "New Farmer Registration."
Documents Required for PM-Kisan Registration
- Aadhaar Card (mandatory)
- Proof of Citizenship
- Land Ownership Documents
- Bank Account Details (scanned copies for online registration)
Checking Beneficiary Status
The PM-Kisan Yojana website allows beneficiaries to check their disbursement status online. Here's how:
- Visit the PM-Kisan Yojana website.
- Click on "Beneficiary Status" under Farmer's Corner.
- Enter your Aadhaar number, registered mobile number, or bank account number.
Conclusion
PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana empowers small and marginal farmers in India to improve their agricultural practices, elevate income levels, and contribute significantly to the nation's food security by ensuring timely financial assistance.