PM Kisan Yojana Big Fraud: 29,000 Fake Accounts Uncovered

Key Highlights

• 29,000 fake accounts detected under PM Kisan Yojana in Rajasthan.

• Rs 1.51 crore was transferred to accounts in Bihar and West Bengal.

• Cybercriminals from multiple states are suspected in the fraud case.

• The government has recovered Rs 416 crore from ineligible beneficiaries.

• Investigation and stricter verification methods are now being implemented.

PM Kisan Yojana is India's largest Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme. Under this scheme, eligible farmers receive Rs 6,000 annually from the government. While efforts are being made to ensure transparency, fraud cases continue to emerge. Cybercriminals are also targeting this scheme to drain off funds using fake accounts. Similar cases have also been reported in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

Also Read: General Budget 2025: PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana Amount Expected to Double

Fraud Case in Rajasthan

A major scam has surfaced in Rajasthan under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana. Officials have detected 29,000 fake accounts where scheme funds were transferred. This shocking revelation has raised concerns about how such a large-scale fraud went unnoticed for so long.

Details of the Scam

• The fraud took place in Desuri, Pali district, Rajasthan.

• Money was transferred to accounts in Bihar and West Bengal.

• The total amount involved is approximately Rs 1.51 crore.

• Authorities have filed an FIR to investigate the matter.

When Did This Scam Happen?

According to the police, this fraud occurred in 2019 and 2020. During a routine verification of PM Kisan Yojana applications, officials discovered 32,000 fake online applications. When these applications were reviewed in December 2020, most were found to be from West Bengal and Bihar, outside the Desuri tehsil jurisdiction.

Other Affected Areas

• Fake cases have also been reported in Rani and Marwar Junction.

• Around 20,000 ineligible farmers were identified in January 2021.

• Fraudulent self-certifications were used to claim benefits.

Number of Fake Accounts Found

• Desuri: 20,000 fake accounts, Rs 1.51 crore transferred.

• Rani: 9,004 fake accounts, Rs 5.40 crore transferred.

• Marwar Junction: 62 fake accounts detected.

Who Were These Fake Beneficiaries?

Upon verification, officials found that many applicants were:

• Not residents of the listed areas.

• Income taxpayers, making them ineligible.

• Deceased individuals or those not recorded in revenue records.

Possible Cybercrime Involvement

Authorities suspect cybercriminals from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Haryana might have hacked the system to commit fraud. The number of fake accounts and the total amount misused could be even higher.

Government’s Recovery Efforts

The Central Government has begun recovering misused funds from ineligible beneficiaries. So far, about Rs 416 crore has been reclaimed. The PM Kisan Yojana has disbursed over Rs 3.68 lakh crore to eligible farmers in 19 installments.

Also Read: PM Kisan Samman Nidhi 19th Installment Released: Rs 2,000 Credited to 9.8 Crore Farmers

Who Cannot Avail PM Kisan Yojana Benefits?

As per the Press Information Bureau (PIB), state governments must identify ineligible beneficiaries. The following individuals are not eligible for the scheme:

• Income taxpayers.

• Government employees.

• Individuals holding high government positions.

If any such person is found receiving benefits, their payments will be recovered immediately.

Also Read: Rajasthan to Start MSP Registration for Mustard and Gram from April 1

CMV360 Says

The PM Kisan Yojana aims to support farmers, but fraud cases pose a significant challenge. The government is working on stricter verification methods to prevent such scams in the future. Farmers should stay informed and ensure their information is accurate to avoid any issues.