The PM-KISAN scheme, launched in 2019, has emerged as a cornerstone of the Indian government’s efforts to support farmers. This direct benefit transfer (DBT) scheme provides financial assistance to eligible landholding farmers, irrespective of their landholding size. A press release was issued on December 6, 2024.
Key Features of PM-KISAN
Financial benefits of Rs. 6,000 per year are directly transferred to farmers’ bank accounts in three equal installments.
A robust digital infrastructure ensures transparency and minimizes leakages in the delivery of benefits.
The scheme has stringent eligibility criteria, including Aadhaar seeding and land record verification, to ensure that benefits reach genuine farmers.
The government has taken steps to recover funds from ineligible beneficiaries, ensuring that the scheme’s resources are utilized effectively.
The scheme initially started on a trust-based system, where beneficiaries were registered by the states on self-certification basis. Initially, Aadhaar seeding was also relaxed for some of the States. Later on, several technological interventions were introduced, including integration with PFMS, UIDAI, and the Income Tax Department.
Further, land seeding was made mandatory along with Aadhaar based payment and e-KYC. The benefits of the farmers, who did not complete these mandatory criteria, were stopped. As and when these farmers complete their mandatory requirements, they become eligible to receive the benefits of the scheme along with their due installments, if any.
The PM-KISAN scheme has had a significant impact on the lives of millions of Indian farmers. It has:
- Provided financial support to farmers, particularly small and marginal farmers.
- Enhanced the economic well-being of rural communities.
- Eliminated the role of intermediaries in the delivery of benefits.
- Encouraged the adoption of digital technologies among farmers.
