PM KISAN Scheme Hits Rs 3 Lakh Crore Mark in Benefits Transfer, Adds 90 Lakh New Beneficiaries

In a significant milestone, the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme has reached a remarkable achievement by crossing the Rs 3 lakh crore mark in disbursing benefits to farmers across the nation. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the 16th instalment was released from Yavatmal in Maharashtra, marking a historic moment for the scheme.

Launched on 2nd February 2019, PM-KISAN aims to provide essential financial support to eligible farmer families. With a vision to bolster agriculture and support farmers, the scheme offers Rs. 6000/- per year to eligible beneficiaries, delivered in three equal instalments of Rs. 2000/- each every four months. This support is directly transferred to farmers' bank accounts through modern digital technology, ensuring a seamless process.

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During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, the scheme proved to be a lifeline for farmers, with Rs 1.75 lakh crores disbursed when they needed it the most. This direct cash benefit provided critical assistance to farmers, enabling them to sustain their livelihoods during the crisis.

Highlighting the inclusive nature of the scheme, the recent Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra outreach campaign added 90 lakh new beneficiaries to PM-KISAN. This initiative, undertaken to ensure the saturation of government welfare schemes, aims to reach out to farmers in even the most remote areas of the country.

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The impact of PM-KISAN has been widely acknowledged, with accolades from organizations like the World Bank for its scale, vision, and efficient fund transfer mechanisms. A study conducted by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) on farmers in Uttar Pradesh revealed that the benefits of PM-KISAN reached the majority of farmers without any leakages. Moreover, farmers receiving cash transfers were more inclined to invest in agricultural essentials like equipment, seeds, fertilizer, and pesticides, further enhancing productivity.

To ensure transparency and efficiency, continuous improvements have been made in the digital infrastructure supporting PM-KISAN. The scheme's portal has been integrated with various government portals, including UIDAI, PFMS, NPCI, and the Income Tax Department. Farmers can register grievances through the portal and utilize a 24x7 call facility for timely resolutions. Additionally, the government has developed 'Kisan e-Mitra,' a voice-based AI chatbot available in 10 languages, enabling farmers to seek assistance in real time.

PM-KISAN is a shining example of cooperative federalism, with states responsible for registering and verifying farmer eligibility while the central government provides 100% funding. The scheme's inclusive nature is evident, with one in four beneficiaries being women farmers and more than 85% of small and marginal farmers benefitting from the initiative.

As PM-KISAN continues to empower farmers nationwide, it reinforces the government's commitment to promoting a productive, competitive, and sustainable agriculture sector. With each milestone achieved, the scheme strengthens the backbone of the Indian economy by uplifting the lives of those who feed the nation.

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