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Government simplifies PMFBY by enabling Panchayat-level premium deposits and using technology for faster, more efficient crop insurance claims.
The government is making efforts to simplify the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) to ensure that the scheme benefits as many farmers as possible. In a significant move, the crop insurance premium will now be deposited through the Panchayat, eliminating the need for farmers to visit the block office. This change aims to streamline the process, making it easier for farmers to claim insurance in case of crop loss, and ensuring quicker access to compensation.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan recently announced that the PMFBY will now be implemented at the Gram Panchayat level. The insurance amount will be paid directly at this level, enhancing the efficiency of compensation payments to farmers who suffer crop losses. This move is expected to bring the scheme closer to the grassroots, making it more accessible to farmers.
To further enhance the effectiveness of the PMFBY, crop damage due to natural disasters will now be assessed using remote sensing technology. This modern approach replaces the traditional Nazari survey, providing more accurate and timely damage assessments. Additionally, a new portal named Digiclaim has been introduced, allowing farmers to register complaints and enabling effective monitoring of these issues.
The Agriculture Minister emphasized that delays in premium payments at the block level were a common issue. By transferring this responsibility to the Gram Panchayat, the process is expected to speed up. The Central Government has also taken steps to address delays by state governments in releasing premium subsidies. For example, the Tamil Nadu Government has been requested to release the premium subsidy amount within a month, failing which insurance companies will be required to pay 18% interest to farmers on the delayed amount.
The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana offers three different models, allowing state governments to choose the one that best suits their priorities. As of now, the scheme has covered 5.98 lakh hectares of land and benefited 3.97 crore farmers. The government has taken several measures to simplify the scheme, ensuring that farmers can easily access its benefits.
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The government's enhancements to the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, including Panchayat-level premium deposits and modern technology for crop assessment, aim to make the scheme more accessible and efficient for farmers. These changes are expected to expedite insurance claims, providing timely financial relief to farmers in times of need.