In a significant move highlighting the government’s commitment to farmer welfare, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has signed his first file after assuming office for the third successive term, authorizing the release of the 17th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) program. This installment, amounting to approximately ₹20,000 crores, will benefit 9.3 crore farmers across the country.
Continued focus on farmer welfare:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to ‘Kisan Kalyan’ (farmer welfare), stating, “Ours is a Government fully committed to Kisan Kalyan. It is therefore fitting that the first file signed on taking charge is related to farmer welfare. We want to keep working even more for the farmers and the agriculture sector in the times to come.”
Key milestones of PM-Kisan scheme:
– Financial Assistance: The PM-Kisan scheme provides income assistance to all landholding farmer families in the country, supporting their financial needs in agricultural and allied activities as well as residential necessities.
– Scheme Impact: Since its inception, the scheme has benefitted more than 11 crore eligible farmer families, with over ₹3 lakh crores disbursed till date. Notably, ₹1.75 lakh crores were transferred to eligible farmers during the COVID-19 period, providing crucial support when direct cash benefits were most needed.
– Expansion and Outreach: The scheme has witnessed significant growth, with 90 lakh new beneficiaries added recently during the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, aimed at ensuring the saturation of government welfare schemes across more than 2.60 lakh Gram Panchayats.
– Transparent and Efficient Delivery: The PM-Kisan portal has been continuously improved to ensure efficient, effective, and transparent delivery of benefits. Integration with UIDAI, PFMS, NPCI, and the Income Tax department, as well as the availability of ‘Kisan e-Mitra’ in 10 languages, has facilitated easy access for farmers.
Future Outlook:
The government’s decision to extend PM-Kisan till 31st December 2024 reflects its commitment to providing sustained support to farmers. The scheme’s inclusive nature, with at least one out of four beneficiaries being a woman farmer and over 85% being small and marginal farmers, showcases its success in promoting equitable growth in the agriculture sector.
The release of the 17th installment of PM-Kisan Nidhi is a testament to the government’s dedication to ‘Kisan Kalyan’ and its efforts to ensure the prosperity and well-being of farmers across the country. With a focus on technology-driven transparency and efficiency, the scheme continues to be a beacon of hope for millions of farmers, providing them with the necessary support to thrive in their agricultural endeavors.
