Eligibility Criteria and Benefits of the PM Kisan Scheme: A Comprehensive Guide
ThePrime Minister Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM Kisan) Scheme is a flagship program in India aimed at supporting small and marginal farmers. Under this scheme, the central government provides an annual income support of Rs. 6,000/- to eligible farmer families in three equal installments of Rs. 2,000/- each every four months. This article will delve into the eligibility criteria, key benefits, and updates related to this important initiative.
Eligibility Criteria for the PM Kisan Scheme
The scheme is designed to benefit all landholding farmer families in India, with certain conditions:
All Landholding Farmers
All landholding farmers with cultivable land in their names are eligible to benefit from the PM Kisan Scheme. Initially, the scheme was limited to Small and Marginal Farmers (SMF) with a combined landholding of up to 2 hectares. However, the scheme has been revised and now covers all farmer families, irrespective of the size of their landholdings. This broadens the scope of beneficiaries to include a wider range of farmers across the country.
Additional Eligibility Criteria
Indian Citizenship: Applicants must be Indian citizens. Active Farmers Only: The scheme is exclusively for active farmers. Retired pensioners or families with a monthly pension of Rs. 10,000 or above are not eligible. Farm Income: Farm families with a family income below the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category and not enrolled in any other government schemes are eligible. No Income Tax Paying Families: Farmers whose families are paying income tax are excluded from the scheme. Eligible Family Members: In the family, only the farmer, his wife, and minor children are counted. Other family members, such as adult children, are not eligible for direct benefits unless their names are recorded in the revenue record.Application Requirements for PM Kisan Scheme
To apply for the PM Kisan Scheme, the applicant must meet the following requirements:
Indian Citizenship: Only Indian citizens can apply. Farming Profession: The applicant must be engaged in farming activities. Bank Account: The farmer must have a bank account, as the government will directly transfer the benefits to this account. Aadhaar Number: It is essential to link the Aadhaar number with the bank account to ensure smooth transfer of funds.Latest Updates and Plan for PM Kisan Scheme
The Central Government has taken several steps to ensure that the PM Kisan Scheme reaches as many eligible farmers as possible. In the latest update, the seventh installment of the PM Kisan Scheme had been successfully disbursed to farmers. The Ministry of Agriculture has announced plans to provide benefits to approximately 11 crore farmers by March 2021.
Key Points:
Direct Benefits: Every adult member of a farmer family qualifies for Rs. 6,000 in direct government assistance for farming, provided their name appears in the revenue record. Joint Families: If more than one adult member's name is recorded for the same cultivable land, each adult member will receive a separate benefit under the scheme. Inclusive Polices: The government is actively working to ensure that every eligible farmer family benefits from the scheme by linking their Aadhaar numbers with bank accounts.Conclusion
The PM Kisan Scheme represents a crucial step towards providing financial security to small and marginal farmers in India. The continuous updates and expansions of the scheme showcase the government's commitment to support rural livelihoods. As the program evolves, it remains essential for farmers to stay informed about the latest eligibility criteria and application processes to ensure they avail of the benefits intended for them.