The PM-KISAN scheme is funded by the center (Archive)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday transferred 18 billion rupees to farmers’ bank accounts of more than 9 million rupees under a central scheme called “Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi” or PM-KISAN. The move comes amid relentless protests by farmers against three farm laws passed by the center earlier this year.
PM-KISAN was launched by the center in February last year to provide direct financial assistance to small and marginal farmers.
Under the scheme, farmers with no more than two hectares of arable land are entitled to an annual subsidy of Rs 6,000. The amount will be paid to farmers by direct bank transfer in three installments, four months apart.
In June 2019, all farmers were included in the scheme regardless of the size of their holdings. However, wealthy landowners, including doctors, public accountants, engineers, lawyers, civil servants, and constitutional office holders, etc., were kept outside the scope of the plan.
All those who paid their income tax return were also excluded from the scheme. Retirees with a pension equal to or greater than Rs 10,000 were also excluded.
The PM-KISAN program is funded by the center; Rs 75 billion are set aside per year.
To take advantage of the program, farmers must register on the web portal, www.pmkisan.gov, uploading documents proving their eligibility. Payee data uploaded by them undergoes multi-level verification, including by banks.
Farmers can sign up for the program by logging into the web portal or using government-recognized paid facilities.
Earlier this year, the center launched a toll-free number, 1800 115 526, to help farmers who want to take advantage of the program.
Since the plan was launched, more than 1 lakh 10 thousand crore rupees have been disbursed to farmers, Prime Minister Modi said today.
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