The PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana is a significant initiative launched by the Government of India, aimed at providing financial support to small and marginal farmers across the country. Since its inception in February 2019, the scheme has played a crucial role in alleviating the financial burden on farmers, ensuring a steady income source for agricultural households. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits, eligibility criteria, and key aspects of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana.
What is PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana?
The PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana is a central sector scheme under the Government of India that provides direct income support to farmers. Under this scheme, eligible farmers receive ₹6,000 per year in three equal installments of ₹2,000 each. The amount is directly transferred to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Benefits of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana
- Financial Support: The primary benefit of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana is its direct financial support to farmers. This support helps farmers meet their agricultural and household needs, particularly during financial stress.
- No Middlemen: The scheme ensures that the benefits reach the farmers directly without the involvement of intermediaries. This eliminates the possibility of corruption and ensures that the full amount is credited to the farmers’ accounts.
- Regular Income: The scheme provides a regular source of income to farmers, helping them manage their expenses throughout the year. The timely installments help in addressing urgent needs, including purchasing seeds, fertilizers, and other essential agricultural inputs.
- Encourages Agricultural Activity: By providing financial stability, the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana encourages farmers to continue with their agricultural activities without worrying about the financial implications. This, in turn, contributes to the overall growth of the agricultural sector.
- Empowers Small and Marginal Farmers: The scheme is particularly beneficial for small and marginal farmers who often struggle to access credit and financial resources. By providing them with direct financial support, the scheme empowers them to sustain and grow their farming activities.
- Coverage Across India: The PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana covers farmers across all states and union territories of India, ensuring that the benefits reach the most remote areas. This wide coverage makes it one of the most inclusive financial support schemes for farmers.
Eligibility Criteria for PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana
- Small and Marginal Farmers: The scheme is primarily targeted at small and marginal farmers who own cultivable land. To be eligible, a farmer must own landholding of up to 2 hectares.
- Land Ownership: Only farmers who have their names registered in the land records of the respective State/UT as of February 1, 2019, are eligible for the scheme. If the land ownership changes after this date, the new owner may not be eligible for the scheme.
- Aadhaar Linkage: To ensure transparency and proper identification of beneficiaries, linking the Aadhaar number with the bank account and land records is mandatory. This helps in avoiding duplication and ensures that the benefits reach the rightful beneficiaries.
- Exclusions: Certain categories of farmers are excluded from the benefits of this scheme. These include institutional landholders, farmers holding constitutional posts, serving or retired officers and employees of State/Central government, and professionals like doctors, engineers, and lawyers who have a higher income and do not primarily rely on farming.
- Income Tax Payers: Any farmer who has paid income tax in the previous assessment year is not eligible for the scheme. This criterion ensures that the benefits are directed towards those who genuinely need financial support.
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How to Apply for PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana?
Eligible farmers can apply for the scheme through various methods:
- Online Registration: Farmers can register themselves on the official PM Kisan portal by providing necessary details like Aadhaar number, bank account details, and land records.
- CSC Centers: Common Service Centers (CSCs) across the country also facilitate the registration process for farmers who may not have access to online services.
- State Agriculture Department: Farmers can also approach the local agriculture department offices to get assistance with the registration process.
Conclusion
The PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana has been a game-changer for the agricultural community in India, providing much-needed financial support to small and marginal farmers. By ensuring regular income and eliminating middlemen, the scheme has not only empowered farmers but also contributed to the overall growth of the agricultural sector. Understanding the benefits and eligibility criteria is essential for farmers to take full advantage of this scheme and secure a better livelihood.
