The PM Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is a revolutionary scheme launched by the Government of India to support small and marginal farmers. Initiated on February 24, 2019, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the scheme aims to provide financial assistance to farmers, helping them meet the expenses of agricultural activities and household needs. As of 2024, the scheme has gained immense popularity for its direct benefit transfer (DBT) model, which ensures seamless delivery of funds to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
Key Highlights of PM Kisan Yojana:
- Annual Financial Assistance: Eligible farmers receive ₹6,000 annually, divided into three equal installments of ₹2,000. This financial support helps farmers maintain a stable income for crop production and personal expenses.
- Direct Benefit Transfer: The funds are transferred directly into the beneficiaries’ bank accounts through the DBT system, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Installments and the 18th Installment Update:
The government releases three installments annually. As of October 5, October 2024, the 18th installment is due to be disbursed. The 18th installment will see the transfer of funds to around 9.4 crore farmers, marking a crucial moment for farmers who rely on this financial aid, especially during critical agricultural seasons.
Farmers can check the status of their installment on the official PM Kisan portal at pmkisan.gov.in by entering their Aadhaar number or account number in the ‘Beneficiary Status’ section.
Eligibility Criteria for PM Kisan Yojana:
- Land Ownership: Farmers who own up to 2 hectares of agricultural land are eligible. Tenant farmers or farmers without ownership are currently excluded from the scheme.
- Income Tax Payers Excluded: If the farmer or any member of the family pays income tax, they are not eligible for the benefits.
- Exclusion of Government Employees: Farmers working in government offices or public sector undertakings are not eligible, except for Class IV employees and multi-tasking staff.
- Pensioners Exclusion: Farmers receiving a pension above ₹10,000 are also not eligible.
How to Apply for PM Kisan Yojana:
Farmers can apply for the scheme either online or offline. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Online Application:
- Visit the official website pmkisan.gov.in.
- Navigate to the ‘Farmer’s Corner’ and click on ‘New Farmer Registration.’
- Fill in the required details, such as Aadhaar number, land records, and bank account information.
- Submit the form after verifying the information.
- Offline Application:
- Farmers can visit Common Service Centers (CSC) or local agricultural offices to apply offline.
- Provide necessary documents like Aadhaar card, proof of land ownership, and bank passbook details.
Documents Required:
- Aadhaar Card: Mandatory for registration.
- Land Ownership Proof: Document confirming the land ownership.
- Bank Details: Including account number and IFSC code.
- Mobile Number: For receiving updates and notifications.
Completing eKYC:
To continue receiving benefits, farmers must complete the eKYC (Know Your Customer) process, which is mandatory. This can be done:
- Online: Through Aadhaar OTP-based verification on the official portal.
- Offline: By visiting the nearest CSC center.
Where to Apply and Application Status:
Farmers can check their registration status and payment details via the PM Kisan portal. They can visit pmkisan.gov.in, enter their Aadhaar or account number in the ‘Beneficiary Status’ section, and view their payment history and next installment details.
Benefits of the Scheme:
- Ease of Access: The DBT model ensures quick and transparent transfer of funds, removing the need for intermediaries.
- Boost to Agricultural Productivity: The financial support allows farmers to invest in seeds, fertilizers, and machinery, enhancing crop productivity.
- Livelihood Support: PM Kisan aids in reducing the financial burden on farmers, especially during periods of crop failure or unforeseen climatic conditions.
Latest Updates:
- The 18th installment is set to be disbursed in October 2024, benefiting millions of farmers.
- Recent changes in the scheme include mandatory eKYC verification and streamlining of the application process for faster fund disbursement.
