Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is an initiative by the Government of India aimed at providing financial support to farmers. Launched in December 2018, the scheme seeks to supplement the income of small and marginal farmers. Here are the key features and details of the scheme:
Financial Assistance
- Eligible farmers receive a direct cash transfer of ₹6,000 per year.
- This amount is distributed in three equal installments of ₹2,000 each, paid every four months.
Eligibility
- Initially for small and marginal farmers owning up to 2 hectares of land.
- Expanded to include all farmer families, irrespective of landholdings.
- 'Family' is defined as husband, wife, and minor children.
Exclusions
- Institutional landholders.
- Farmer families holding constitutional posts.
- Serving or retired officers and employees of state/central government, public sector undertakings, and government autonomous bodies.
- Professionals like doctors, engineers, lawyers, chartered accountants, and architects registered with professional bodies and practicing.
- Income tax payers in the last assessment year.
Implementation
- Implemented by the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
- Funds are directly transferred to the bank accounts of beneficiaries through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode.
Enrollment Process
- Register through the PM-KISAN portal or at local Common Service Centers (CSCs).
- Required documents: Aadhaar card, bank account details, and landholding papers.
Objectives
- Provide assured income support to small and marginal farmers.
- Enable farmers to take care of their expenses related to agriculture and allied activities as well as domestic needs.
- Ensure the financial health and resilience of the farming community.
PM-KISAN has been a significant step towards the welfare of farmers in India, aiming to boost their income and provide a safety net against the uncertainties in agriculture.