Introduction:
India, with its agrarian roots running deep, has always recognized the pivotal role farmers play in shaping the nation's economy. In a bid to address the socio-economic challenges faced by small and marginal farmers, the Government of India launched the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana (PM-Kisan Yojana) in 2018. This groundbreaking initiative aims to provide minimum income support to farmers, offering a financial cushion to alleviate their struggles. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of the PM-Kisan Yojana, exploring its objectives, history, features, eligibility criteria, and the impact it has had on the agricultural landscape of the country.
Objective of PM Kisan Yojana:
The heartbeat of India lies in its sprawling fields and the hardworking hands that till the soil. Recognizing the challenges faced by farmers, the PM-Kisan Yojana was conceived with a clear objective — to provide direct income support to small and marginal farmers. These unsung heroes of the soil often grapple with financial instability, and this scheme seeks to bridge that gap by offering them a minimum income of up to Rs. 6000 per year. The primary goal is to uplift farming communities, ensuring they receive the support they need for sustainable agricultural practices.
History of PM-KISAN Scheme:
The roots of the PM-Kisan Yojana trace back to the Ryuthu Bandhu scheme initiated by the Government of Telangana in 2018. This state-level scheme provided financial assistance to farmers twice a year, earning acclaim for its direct and tangible benefits. Inspired by this success, the Indian Government launched the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana on December 1, 2018. With an initial allocation of Rs. 75,000 crore per annum, this scheme aimed to transform the agricultural landscape of the nation.
Features of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana:
Income Support:
At the heart of the PM-Kisan Yojana lies the commitment to provide minimum income support to eligible farmers. Each qualifying farmer family is entitled to receive Rs. 6000 per annum. However, this amount is disbursed in three equal installments of Rs. 2000 each, strategically spaced four months apart. This phased disbursement ensures a steady and predictable inflow of funds to the farmers.
Funding:
Being a government-sponsored initiative, the entire funding for the PM-Kisan Yojana comes from the Government of India. The initial announcement earmarked Rs. 75,000 crore annually for this ambitious project. The commitment to financial empowerment of farmers is evident in the recent disbursement of Rs. 17,000 crore in the sixth installment on August 9, 2020, through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism.
Identification Responsibility:
While the onus of funding rests with the Government of India, the crucial task of identifying beneficiaries lies with the State and Union Territory governments. These regional authorities play a pivotal role in determining which farmer families qualify for the scheme. According to the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana's definition, a farmer family consists of a husband, wife, and minor child or children.
PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Eligibility Criteria:
The inclusivity of the PM-Kisan Yojana is evident in its eligibility criteria, ensuring that a broad spectrum of farmers can benefit from this financial support. To be eligible, farmers must meet the following criteria:
Small and marginal farmers are eligible for PM-KSNY.
Farmer families with cultivable land can apply for the benefits.
The beneficiary must be an Indian citizen.
Both rural and urban farmers can be enlisted under the scheme.
Who is Excluded from PM-KSNY?
While the PM-Kisan Yojana aims for inclusiveness, certain exclusions are outlined to ensure the scheme benefits those who need it most. The following categories of individuals are excluded from the scheme:
Institutional landholders.
Farmer families with members holding constitutional posts, serving or retired government employees, and elected representatives.
Individuals or families filing income tax in the previous Assessment Year.
Retired individuals receiving a monthly pension of Rs. 10,000 or more.
Families with professionals like doctors, engineers, chartered accountants, lawyers, and architects.
Conclusion:
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana stands as a testament to India's commitment to uplifting its agrarian backbone. By providing direct income support to small and marginal farmers, the government aims to address the longstanding socio-economic disparities prevalent in rural regions. As we traverse the journey of PM-Kisan Yojana, it becomes evident that financial empowerment of farmers is not merely a policy but a transformative force capable of reshaping the destiny of millions.
In conclusion, the PM-Kisan Yojana is a beacon of hope for farmers across the country, offering them not just financial support but also the assurance that their invaluable contribution to the nation is recognized and valued. As the scheme continues to evolve, it holds the promise of fostering a robust and sustainable agricultural sector, ensuring a prosperous future for the backbone of India's economy – its farmers.
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