The PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, also known as PM Kisan, is a central government scheme aimed at providing financial support to farmers across India. Launched in February 2019 by the Government of India, this initiative ensures that small and marginal farmers receive a steady income, enabling them to meet agricultural needs and enhance their livelihoods. The scheme, officially named the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, has become a lifeline for millions of Indian farmers. This article will explore the benefits, eligibility criteria, and recent updates related to the scheme, including information on the 18th installment and the eKYC process.
What is the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana?
The PM Kisan Yojana was introduced to provide financial assistance to small and marginal farmers, who often face difficulties in sustaining their agricultural activities due to lack of resources. Under this scheme, the government provides direct income support of ₹6,000 annually to eligible farmers. This amount is disbursed in three equal installments of ₹2,000 each, directly credited to the beneficiary’s bank account.
The primary objective is to ensure that farmers have the financial capacity to purchase seeds, fertilizers, and other agricultural inputs without falling into debt traps. The scheme has significantly contributed to reducing the burden on farmers and has helped them focus on improving their productivity and crop yield.
Key Features of PM Kisan Yojana
- Financial Assistance: Eligible farmers receive ₹6,000 annually in three installments, deposited directly into their bank accounts.
- Transparency: The scheme promotes transparency as the money is transferred directly, reducing the scope for intermediaries.
- Wide Coverage: The scheme benefits over 11 crore farmers across India, ensuring that small and marginal farmers receive financial support.
- E-KYC Requirement: To maintain transparency and ensure only genuine beneficiaries receive the assistance, the government has made eKYC mandatory for all beneficiaries.
- Installment Updates: With each new installment, the government ensures that beneficiaries stay informed about the status and release date, promoting timely assistance.
Eligibility Criteria for PM Kisan Yojana
To qualify for the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, the following eligibility criteria must be met:
- Small and Marginal Farmers: The scheme is aimed primarily at small and marginal farmers owning up to 2 hectares of land.
- Land Ownership: The farmer should be the owner and cultivator of the agricultural land.
- Exclusion Criteria: Government employees, pensioners, income tax payers, and professionals like doctors, engineers, and lawyers are not eligible for this scheme.
- Bank Account and Aadhaar Linkage: The bank account of the beneficiary should be linked to Aadhaar to ensure seamless transfer of funds.
How to Apply for PM Kisan Yojana?
Farmers can apply for the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana both online and offline. Here’s a step-by-step guide to registering for the scheme:
- Online Registration:
- Visit the official PM Kisan website: pmkisan.gov.in.
- Click on the ‘New Farmer Registration’ option.
- Fill in the required details such as Aadhaar number, bank account details, and other necessary information.
- Submit the application and keep a record of the registration number for future reference.
- Offline Registration:
- Farmers can also visit the nearest Common Service Center (CSC) or agriculture office to fill out the registration form.
- The application should include land records, Aadhaar details, and bank account information.
- Once registered, the farmer will receive an acknowledgment slip with the registration ID.
PM Kisan eKYC Process
The eKYC process has been made mandatory to ensure that only genuine farmers benefit from the scheme. Here’s how beneficiaries can complete their eKYC:
- Visit the official PM Kisan Portal: pmkisan.gov.in.
- Click on the ‘eKYC’ option on the homepage.
- Enter the Aadhaar number linked to the scheme and verify it using the One-Time Password (OTP) received on the registered mobile number.
- Once verified, the eKYC process will be completed.
Alternatively, farmers can visit the nearest CSC or agriculture office to complete the eKYC in person.
Recent Updates: 18th Installment of PM Kisan
The 18th installment of the PM Kisan Yojana is expected to be released soon, with millions of farmers eagerly awaiting the disbursement. Each installment provides much-needed financial support, especially during critical agricultural seasons. The government regularly updates the status of the installments on the PM Kisan portal, allowing beneficiaries to track their payments.
How to Check PM Kisan Installment Status?
Farmers can easily check the status of their installment payments online. Here’s how:
- Visit the PM Kisan portal.
- Click on the ‘Beneficiary Status’ option.
- Enter the registered Aadhaar number or bank account number.
- The status of the latest installment, along with previous installments, will be displayed.
Impact of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana
The PM Kisan Yojana has made a significant impact on the lives of farmers, providing them with timely financial support. It has also contributed to increasing the adoption of modern agricultural practices, as farmers can now afford better quality seeds, fertilizers, and equipment. Additionally, the scheme has helped reduce the dependence on informal loans, thus lowering the financial stress on farmers.
Challenges and Future of PM Kisan Yojana
Despite its success, the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana faces some challenges, including:
- Exclusion of Eligible Farmers: Some eligible farmers are excluded due to discrepancies in land records or failure to complete the eKYC process.
- Inclusion of Ineligible Beneficiaries: There have been cases where ineligible farmers have received benefits due to inaccurate data.
- Delayed Payments: In some instances, there are delays in the disbursement of installments due to administrative bottlenecks.
The government is continually working to address these issues through better data management and technological interventions.
How PM Kisan Yojana is Benefiting Women Farmers
The scheme has also empowered women farmers by providing them with direct income support, thereby enhancing their financial independence. Women beneficiaries have used these funds to improve their farming practices and invest in small-scale agricultural ventures. This has contributed to the overall development of rural households.
Conclusion
The PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana is a transformative initiative that has brought significant positive change to the lives of millions of farmers across India. With its transparent disbursement system and direct benefits, it has helped reduce the financial burden on farmers and improved their agricultural productivity. As the government continues to refine the scheme and address existing challenges, the PM Kisan Yojana is set to remain a crucial pillar in supporting India’s agricultural community for years to come.
For more updates on the scheme and information related to the 18th installment, eKYC, and other PM Kisan news, visit the official website at pmkisan.gov.in.