Introduction
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the 'Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas' in Jharkhand's Khunti, recently launched the 15th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme. His comprehensive address not only covered the neglected needs of the underprivileged but also delved into transformative initiatives and the nation's future vision for development.
What is PM-KISAN?
PM-KISAN is a key initiative of the central government, and stands as one of the world's largest Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) programs within the Agriculture & Farmers Welfare ministry. Launched on February 24, 2019, it aims to support the financial requirements of all land-holding farmers, excluding those with higher income status. The scheme entails a yearly income support of ₹6,000, disbursed in three equal cash transfers of ₹2,000 each, spaced every four months.
To receive the 15th installment, farmers must undergo eKYC and link their Aadhaar details with active bank accounts. This mandatory step ensures that the financial aid reaches genuine beneficiaries directly into their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts, eliminating the involvement of middlemen who prey on the often unaware farmers and deprive them of their essential funds.
Transformative Initiatives
PM Modi highlighted the pivotal role played by the BJP government in transforming mentaliities. Initiatives like the 'Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra' and the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups Development Mission were inaugurated to serve marginalized sections, addressing the historical neglect faced by post-Independence tribal reformers.
Vision for National Development
Emphasizing a 25-year roadmap for India's development, PM Modi identified four key pillars - women, farmers, youths, and the underprivileged - as essential to the nation's growth. He commended the significant strides made in the last decade towards developing these foundational pillars, recognizing it as unprecedented in India's history.
Benefits of Pradhan Mantri (PM) Kisan Samman Nidhi
Income Support: Eligible farmer families receive Rs. 6,000 annually through PM Kisan Yojana in three installments of Rs. 2,000 each every four months. The criteria involves small and marginal farmers owning up to 2 hectares of cultivable land.
Agricultural Assistance: Financial support aids farmers in addressing agricultural requirements, alleviating debt burden, and bolstering financial stability.
Poverty Alleviation: Consistent income stream reduces poverty, fulfills basic needs, and elevates overall standard of living.
Economic Uplift: Augmented purchasing power stimulates economic growth, positively impacting various sectors for comprehensive economic development.
Implementation: Scheme implemented by the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India. The financial assistance through direct bank transfers ensures transparency and reduces the misuse of government funds allocated for farmers.
Application Process: Farmers can apply through Common Service Centers (CSCs) by providing necessary details and documents for verification.
PM Modi's Statement on 15th Installment
PM Modi expressed, "Prior to 2014, a significant portion of our population lacked essential amenities, and millions of underprivileged individuals had lost hope for a better life. The government of that era exhibited a paternalistic approach, but we, the BJP, adopted a servant-like role and worked in accordance with the people's needs. Modi prioritized the upliftment of these marginalized communities, drawing from personal experiences of hardship. Reflecting on my own background, I have come to the land of Birsa Munda today to fulfill my obligation."
"We, the BJP, stood in solidarity with the deprived individuals. Despite the continuity of bureaucracy, people, files, and laws, we transformed the mindset, leading to tangible improvements in outcomes," he emphasized.
Till now, hundreds of millions of farmers have received the amount in their bank accounts, under the 15th installment, approximately 9 crore more farmers will receive the amounts in their respective bank accounts.
In conclusion, the launch of the 15th installment of PM-KISAN reflects the government's commitment to rural development and farmer welfare. PM Modi's address underscored transformative initiatives and the vision for a developed, inclusive India, acknowledging the foundational role played by the nation's key pillars.
Under the previous governments, it was hard to imagine schemes ever taking effect and even if they did, there always existed the threat of their greed which was evident after the numerous scams under UPA rule. The current government under the leadership of PM Modi not only introduced a scheme that is set to change the lives of millions of small and medium farmers, but it was also ensured that the scheme and its funds do not fall prey to the jaws of corruption by the middlemen.
The PM-KISAN scheme stands as a significant stride towards economic upliftment and poverty alleviation in the agricultural sector, aligning with the government's long-term vision for holistic development.
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