Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN): A Comprehensive Guide

What is Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)?

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) is an important scheme launched by the Government of India to support farmers financially. Farming can be difficult, and many farmers face challenges like low income and high costs for seeds, fertilizers, and other farming needs. PM-KISAN helps by giving money directly to farmers so that they can manage their farms better and improve their livelihood. This support aims to reduce farmer's financial dependence on the moneylenders and assists with their agricultural expenses.

Under this scheme, eligible farmers receive ₹6,000 every year. This amount is paid in three installments of ₹2,000 each, every four months. The money is directly transferred to the farmer’s bank account, ensuring that they receive the funds without any hassle.

Payment Structure

• Annual Support: ₹6,000 per family.
• Installments: Three payments of ₹2,000 each.
• Payment Frequency: Every four months.

Key Details

• Launch Date: Announced on February 1, 2019, during the Interim Union Budget and officially launched on February 24, 2019, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• Funding: The Central Government fully funds the scheme, with a budget allocation of approximately ₹75,000 crore (as of 2023).
• Target Beneficiaries: Primarily small and marginal farmers who own up to 2 hectares of agricultural land.
• Exclusions: Income tax payers, civil servants with significant earnings, and other higher-income groups are excluded from this scheme.

Objectives of PM-KISAN

The main aim of the PM-KISAN scheme is to provide financial support to farmers, especially small and marginal ones. The government wants to:

• Help Farmers to Meet Their Daily Expenses Needs: Many farmers struggle with daily expenses for their farms, such as buying seeds, fertilizers, and equipment. The money from PM-KISAN helps them cover these costs.
• Reduce Dependence on Loans: Many farmers take loans to manage their farming needs. With PM-KISAN, they can rely less on borrowing and focus on improving their crops.
• Promote Agricultural Growth: When farmers have the financial resources to invest in better-quality seeds, fertilizers, and tools, it leads to higher productivity and growth in the agriculture sector.
• Improving the Farmer’s Livelihoods: PM-KISAN aims to uplift farmers by providing them a steady income support, allowing them to lead better lives.

How Does PM-KISAN Compare to Other Farmer Support Schemes?

PM-KISAN is one among several government initiatives aimed at uplifting farmers. Here’s a comparison between PM-KISAN and other notable schemes:

Key Insights:

• Financial Support: PM-KISAN supports small and marginal farmers, while Rythu Bandhu provides more assistance based on the size of the landholding.
• Eligibility: PM-KISAN primarily focuses on landowners, whereas schemes like KALIA and Annadatha Sukhibhava extend coverage to tenant farmers.
• Impact and Reach: PM-KISAN has a broader reach, benefiting over 120 million farmers across India.

PM-KISAN Eligibility and Non-Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for PM-KISAN, the farmers must meet the following conditions:

Who are Eligible for the PM-KISAN Scheme?

• Land Ownership: Must own cultivable land as per state/UT records.
• Family Definition: A family is defined as a husband, wife, and their minor children. The scheme benefits one family unit, not individual family members separately.
• Target Group: The scheme mainly supports small and marginal farmers who own up to 2 hectares of land (about 5 acres).
• Citizenship: Only Indian citizens are eligible.
• Aadhaar: A valid Aadhaar number is required.

Who are Not Eligible for the PM-KISAN Scheme?

While many farmers can benefit from PM-KISAN, certain groups are not eligible to receive funds:

• Institutional Landholders: If the land is owned by any institutions, companies, or trusts, the farmers working on that land cannot claim PM-KISAN benefits.
• Income Tax Payers: Families where one or more members of the family are paying income tax or have paid income tax in the previous year are excluded from the scheme, as PM-KISAN is designed to help farmers with low incomes.
• Government Officials: Farmers who work as government employees or hold important political or official positions, such as Members of Parliament (MPs), Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), and ministers, are not eligible.
• Professionals: Professionals like doctors, engineers, lawyers, and architects, who are registered with professional bodies and are actively practicing their profession, cannot receive benefits under this scheme.

Documents Required for PM-KISAN Application

When applying for PM-KISAN, you need to provide the following documents:

• Aadhaar Card: For the process of identification and the benefits of the linking.
• Proof of Land Ownership: Land records or ownership certificates are also required.
• Bank Account Details: Aadhaar-linked bank account for direct benefit transfers.

Make sure your Aadhaar is linked with your mobile number for smooth verification.

How to Apply for the PM-KISAN Scheme?

The farmers who meet the eligibility criteria can apply for the PM-KISAN Scheme in the following ways: -

1. Through local officers: The Farmers can visit their local revenue officers or Patwari or the authorized Common Service Centers (CSCs) to apply. These officers will help them fill out and submit the forms.

1. Online Self-Registration: The farmers can also register themselves online through the official PM-KISAN portal.

Here are the simple steps for the Self-Registration:

• Visit the website: Go to pmkisan.gov.in.
• Click on the “New Farmer Registration” Option: This option is available on the homepage.
• Enter Aadhar details: Provide your Aadhaar number and other personal details like your name, address, and bank account number.
• Upload your Land Records: You need to upload a copy of your land records to prove your ownership.
• Submit: After filling in all the details, submit the form for approval.

How to Complete PM-KISAN e-KYC and Update Your Details

Completing the e-KYC is essential for receiving payments under the PM-KISAN Yojana.

Follow these steps for doing so: -

Completing e-KYC for PM-KISAN

The e-KYC is important for all farmers in order to receive the payments under the PM-KISAN scheme. Farmers can complete their e-KYC in the two following ways:

1. Online e-KYC: - Here the farmers can complete their e-KYC online just by visiting the PM-KISAN website. They will need their Aadhaar number and registered mobile number to receive a One-Time Password (OTP) for the verification process.
2. Offline e-KYC: - For farmers who cannot complete the e-KYC online, they can just visit the nearest Common Service Center (CSC) and complete the process through biometric authentication.

Updating the Details

If you need to update the details like your name or bank account, you can do so online or offline both ways just by following the steps given below: -

Online Process:

1. Visit the PM-KISAN Portal.
2. Select "Updation of Self-Registered Farmers."
3. Provide Aadhaar details and enter the captcha, then click search.
4. Edit your details accordingly and submit the changes.

Offline Process:

1. Visit the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC).
2. Provide Aadhaar and necessary documents there.
3. Fill in the required forms and submit them at the CSC.

How to Check the Status of Your PM-KISAN Application

Checking the status of your PM-KISAN application is easy and can be done online:

1. Visit the Official Portal: Go to PM-KISAN Portal.
2. Access Beneficiary Status: Click on the "Beneficiary Status" option in the Farmer Corner section.
3. Enter Required Information: Provide your Aadhaar number, registration number, or bank account number, along with the captcha code.
4. Submit and View Status: Click "Get Data" to see the status of your application and payment details.

What to Do if Status is Showing Pending:

1. Check Status Regularly: Monitor the PM-KISAN portal for updates.
2. Ensure e-KYC Completion: Ensure your e-KYC is done through the portal or CSC.
3. Verify Bank Details: Double-check that your bank account and Aadhaar are linked.

Common Reasons for Rejection and Steps to Take After

Common Reasons for Rejection:

• Incomplete e-KYC: Failure to complete KYC verification.
• Incorrect Bank Details: Errors like wrong IFSC codes or closed accounts.
• Duplicate Applications: Multiple applications with the same name.
• Exclusions: Belonging to an ineligible category (e.g., income tax payers).

Steps to Take if Rejected:

1. Identify the Issue: Check the reason for rejection on the PM-KISAN portal.
2. Resolve the Problem: Complete e-KYC, update bank details, or provide correct Aadhaar linking.
3. Reapply: If eligible but rejected, consider reapplying after correcting the errors.

Verifying Your Name on the Beneficiary List

To check if your name is on the PM-KISAN beneficiary list:

1. Visit the Portal: Go to PM-KISAN Portal.
2. Click on Beneficiary Status: Enter your Aadhaar, bank account, or mobile number.
3. View Status: Submit the details to see your status and payment history.

How to Avoid Delays in PM-KISAN Installments

To avoid delays in receiving PM-KISAN payments:

1. Complete your e-KYC: Make sure your e-KYC is completed through biometric or OTP authentication.
2. Check Beneficiary Status Regularly: Monitor your beneficiary status online.
3. Keep Bank Details Updated: Ensure that your Aadhaar-linked bank account is active.
4. Verify Eligibility: Confirm that you meet all the eligibility criteria.
5. Contact Helpline: If you face any issues, contact the helpline at 155261 or 011-24300606.

Also Read: Top 21 Central Government Schemes for the Welfare of Farmers in India

CMV360 Says

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme is a lifeline for millions of small and marginal farmers in India. By providing direct income support to farmers the government aims to reduce their financial burden and also help them in improving their agricultural practices. Farmers must ensure that they meet all the eligibility requirements and criteria, complete the e-KYC, and also keep their bank account details and land records updated to continue receiving the benefits without interruptions.

FAQs

1. Who is eligible for the PM-KISAN Scheme?

Farmers who own cultivable land as per state/UT records are eligible. Small and marginal farmers with up to 2 hectares of land can benefit, but institutional landholders, income tax payers, and government employees are excluded.

2. How much financial support do farmers receive under the PM-KISAN Scheme?

Farmers receive ₹6,000 annually, distributed in three equal installments of ₹2,000 each, every four months.

3. How can I check the status of my PM-KISAN application?

You can check the status by visiting the PM-KISAN Portal and entering your Aadhaar, bank account, or registration number under the "Beneficiary Status" section.

4. What documents are required to apply for PM-KISAN?

You need an Aadhaar card, proof of land ownership, and Aadhaar-linked bank account details.

5. How do I complete the e-KYC for PM-KISAN?

You can complete e-KYC online via the PM-KISAN portal or by visiting a Common Service Centre (CSC) for biometric authentication.