India, being a country predominantly dependent on agriculture, has always aimed at supporting its farmers in various ways. One such initiative is the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, commonly known as PM Kisan Yojana. This scheme, launched by the Government of India in December 2018, aims to provide financial support to small and marginal farmers across the country. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the details of the PM Kisan Yojana, focusing on its benefits, eligibility criteria, and the process of availing its benefits.
Overview of PM Kisan Yojana
What is PM Kisan Yojana?
The PM Kisan Yojana is an initiative by the Government of India wherein eligible farmers receive financial assistance of INR 6,000 per year in three equal installments. The primary objective of this scheme is to provide income support to small and marginal farmers to ensure their well-being and financial stability.
Objectives of PM Kisan Yojana
The key objectives of the PM Kisan Yojana are:
– To supplement the financial needs of small and marginal farmers for the purchase of various inputs to ensure proper crop health and good yield.
– To ensure a holistic development of the farmers by providing them with financial stability.
– To boost the income of farmers and reduce their dependency on informal sources of credit.
Funding and Implementation
The funding for the PM Kisan Yojana is done entirely by the Central Government of India. The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
Benefits of PM Kisan Yojana
Financial Assistance
Under the PM Kisan Yojana, eligible farmers receive INR 6,000 per year in three equal installments of INR 2,000 each. This financial assistance helps farmers in meeting their agricultural needs and ensures a stable income throughout the year.
Direct Benefit Transfer
The financial assistance provided under the PM Kisan Yojana is directly transferred to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries. This eliminates the role of middlemen and ensures that the intended beneficiaries receive the benefits directly.
Timely Support
The PM Kisan Yojana aims at providing timely support to farmers. The scheme ensures that the financial assistance reaches the beneficiaries at crucial times during the cropping seasons, thereby helping them manage their expenses efficiently.
Social Security
By providing financial assistance to small and marginal farmers, the PM Kisan Yojana acts as a form of social security, ensuring that farmers have a steady income and are not pushed into poverty due to agricultural uncertainties.
Eligibility Criteria for PM Kisan Yojana
Land Ownership
To be eligible for the PM Kisan Yojana, the applicant must be a land-owning farmer. Tenant farmers, sharecroppers, and agricultural laborers are not eligible for this scheme.
Landholding Criteria
The following landholding criteria must be met to qualify for the PM Kisan Yojana:
– Small Farmers: Farmers owning up to 2 hectares of cultivable land.
– Marginal Farmers: Farmers owning up to 1 hectare of cultivable land.
Family Income
The total family income of the applicant should not exceed a specified limit as determined by the respective state governments.
Exclusion Criteria
The following individuals are not eligible for the PM Kisan Yojana:
– Income Tax Payers: Farmers who pay income tax are not eligible for this scheme.
– Former and Present Holders of Constitutional Posts: Individuals who have held or are holding constitutional posts such as former and current Members of Parliament or Members of Legislative Assembly are excluded from this scheme.
Application Process for PM Kisan Yojana
Online Application
Farmers can apply for the PM Kisan Yojana online through the official website of the scheme. The online application process is simple and requires farmers to provide details such as land records, bank account information, and Aadhaar card details.
Offline Application
For farmers who are unable to apply online, there is an option for offline applications. They can visit the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) or the agriculture department in their respective states to submit their application.
Verification Process
Once the application is submitted, it goes through a verification process by the concerned authorities. The verification includes checking the eligibility criteria, land ownership details, and other relevant information provided by the applicant.
Receipt of Benefits
Upon successful verification, the financial assistance of INR 6,000 per year is directly transferred to the bank account of the beneficiary in three equal installments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is eligible to apply for the PM Kisan Yojana?
Small and marginal farmers who own cultivable land up to 2 hectares and 1 hectare, respectively, are eligible to apply for the PM Kisan Yojana.
2. How can I check the status of my PM Kisan Yojana application?
Farmers can check the status of their application online through the official PM Kisan Yojana website using their Aadhaar number or mobile number.
3. Are tenant farmers eligible for the PM Kisan Yojana?
No, tenant farmers are not eligible for the PM Kisan Yojana. Only land-owning farmers are eligible for this scheme.
4. Is there any registration fee for applying to the PM Kisan Yojana?
No, there is no registration fee for applying to the PM Kisan Yojana. The application process is free of cost.
5. Can farmers update their bank account details for the PM Kisan Yojana?
Yes, farmers can update their bank account details for the PM Kisan Yojana by visiting the nearest CSC or contacting the agriculture department in their state.
In conclusion, the PM Kisan Yojana serves as a crucial support system for small and marginal farmers in India, providing them with the necessary financial assistance to improve their agricultural practices and ensure a stable income. By understanding the benefits, eligibility criteria, and application process of this scheme, farmers can effectively avail its benefits and contribute to the growth of the agricultural sector in the country.
