A Guide to Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan)

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is a significant initiative launched by the Government of India aimed at providing financial support to farmers. Announced by Piyush Goyal during the 2019 Interim Union Budget on February 1, 2019, this scheme seeks to address the financial needs of small and marginal farmers (SMFs) by offering them an annual income support of ₹6,000. Operational since December 1, 2018, the PM-KISAN scheme is entirely funded by the Central Government.

The initiative underscores the government's commitment to improving the economic condition of farmers, ensuring that they have the necessary resources to maintain proper crop health and achieve appropriate yields.

Introduction:

The PM-KISAN scheme is designed to provide income support to all landholding farmer families, defined as a family unit comprising a husband, wife, and minor children. The financial assistance is distributed in three equal installments of ₹2,000 each, disbursed every four months. The scheme was operationalized on December 1, 2018, with the first installment period running from December 1, 2018, to March 31, 2019. Subsequent installments follow a similar four-month cycle. So, The first cycle was from December 1st of 2018 to March 31st, then April 1st to July 31st then August 1st to November 30th completing a year with 4 months of payments. I'll illustrate a chart for you to understand better below.

One of the key features of the PM-KISAN scheme is its comprehensive coverage. Initially targeted at SMFs, defined as those owning up to 2 hectares of cultivable land, the scheme has been extended to cover all farmer families regardless of landholding size. This extension underscores the inclusive nature of the initiative, ensuring that a broader spectrum of farmers can benefit from the financial support provided.

To ensure transparency and direct benefit transfer, the funds are directly deposited into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries. This mechanism eliminates intermediaries, reducing the potential for corruption and ensuring that the intended recipients receive the full amount of support.

However, the scheme also includes certain exclusion criteria to prevent misuse and ensure that the benefits reach the genuinely needy farmers. Categories of beneficiaries who are deemed to be of higher economic status and thus ineligible for the scheme include:

1. Institutional Landholders: All land owned by institutions.

2. Constitutional Post Holders: Former and present holders of constitutional posts.

3. Government Officials: Serving or retired officers and employees of Central/State Government Ministries, offices, departments, and their field units, including Central or State Public Sector Enterprises and attached offices or autonomous institutions under the government, as well as regular employees of local bodies. This exclusion does not apply to Multi-Tasking Staff, Class IV, or Group D employees.

4. High Pension Recipients: Pensioners with a monthly pension of ₹10,000 or more, excluding Multi-Tasking Staff, Class IV, or Group D employees.

5. Income Tax Payers: Individuals who paid income tax in the last assessment year.

6. Professionals: Professionals such as doctors, engineers, lawyers, chartered accountants, and architects registered with professional bodies and practicing their profession.

The role of State Governments and Union Territory administrations is crucial in the implementation of the PM-KISAN scheme. They are responsible for identifying eligible farmer families based on the scheme's guidelines. This collaborative approach between the central and state governments helps in the effective administration of the scheme and ensures that the financial support reaches the intended beneficiaries in a timely manner.

Application Process:

Here's a simplified version of the application process:

1. Go to the official PM-KISAN website: pmkisan.gov.in.

2. Click on "New Farmer Registration."

3. Choose if you are a Rural or Urban Farmer.

4. Enter your Aadhaar Number and Mobile Number.

5. Select your State.

6. Type in the Captcha Code.

7. Click "Get OTP" and enter the OTP you receive.

8. Submit and enter your Aadhaar OTP.

9. Complete any remaining fields that aren't automatically filled from your Aadhaar.

10. After registering, your application will be sent for approval.

Documents Required for PM Kisan Registration:

• An Aadhaar Card is a must for online Registration of PM Kisan

• Passport Size Photograph

• Landholding Details

• Income Certificate

• Bank Account Details

• Active Phone Number

  Usually the approval for the process takes around 7 to 15 days and you can check out the status using the official link :https://pmkisan.gov.in/BeneficiaryStatus_New.aspx

The PM-KISAN scheme is a pivotal initiative by the Indian government, offering ₹6,000 annually to farmer families to support their agricultural activities. By directly transferring funds to beneficiaries' bank accounts, the scheme ensures transparency and reduces corruption. It inclusively covers all farmer families while excluding higher economic status groups to target those in genuine need. This financial support aims to enhance crop health and yields, contributing to the long-term sustainability and productivity of India's agricultural sector.

Overview:

Frequently asked questions

Is the link to apply PM Kisan Samman Nidhi currently working?

Yes, The link is working, you can refer to the official site and register to apply. Here's the link https://pmkisan.gov.in/RegistrationFormNew.aspx

ls an income tax payee farmer or his / her spouse eligible to get benefits under the scheme?

No, you have to be paying no taxes or earn below 2,50,000 annually in which case you will be exempt from paying taxes, any individual earning more than that is not eligible for benefits.

Whether farmers in villages situated in urban areas are eligible for the benefit of the Scheme?

There is no distinction between urban and rural cultivable land under the scheme. Both are covered under the scheme, provided that land situated in urban areas is under actual cultivation

Where can I learn more about it?

While our article gives an In-general understanding of the scheme to learn more about it you can refer the official website, it has an FAQ page where you can learn more about it. Here's the link: https://pmkisan.gov.in/Documents/RevisedFAQ.pdf