PM-KISAN Scheme: Empowering Farmers in India
The PM-KISAN scheme is a significant initiative launched by the Prime Minister of India in February 2019. Its primary goal is to support the financial needs of land-holding farmers across the country. By providing a financial benefit of ₹6,000 per year, the scheme aims to alleviate the economic burden on farmers. This amount is disbursed in three equal installments directly into the Aadhaar-seeded bank accounts of eligible farmers through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. The initiative has transformed the way financial assistance reaches farmers, ensuring that they receive support without any intermediaries.
A Transparent and Efficient System
The PM-KISAN scheme is built on a robust digital infrastructure that prioritizes transparency and efficiency. The government has implemented a system that allows for the direct registration and verification of beneficiaries. This approach eliminates the need for middlemen, ensuring that the benefits reach the intended recipients without delays or corruption. Since its inception, the Government of India has disbursed over ₹3.46 lakh crore in 18 installments, demonstrating the scheme’s effectiveness in reaching farmers nationwide.
To further enhance the scheme’s reach, the government has launched various campaigns aimed at including all eligible farmers. A notable saturation drive commenced on November 15, 2023, under the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra. This initiative successfully included over 1 crore eligible farmers in the scheme. Additionally, another saturation drive began in June 2024, resulting in the inclusion of more than 25 lakh eligible farmers within the first 100 days of the new government. These efforts have significantly increased the number of beneficiaries, with 9.58 crore farmers receiving benefits in the 18th installment.
Innovative Digital Solutions for Farmers
To make the PM-KISAN scheme more accessible, the government has developed a dedicated portal and mobile app. These digital platforms offer various services, including self-registration, benefit status tracking, and facial authentication-based e-KYC. Introduced in June 2023, the e-KYC feature allows farmers in remote areas to complete their registration through face scans. This innovative approach also includes provisions for assistance from neighbors, ensuring that even those in isolated regions can participate in the scheme.
Moreover, over 5 lakh Common Service Centres (CSCs) have been onboarded to facilitate registrations and meet mandatory requirements. These centers play a crucial role in bridging the gap between the government and farmers, providing essential support and guidance. Additionally, a robust grievance redressal system has been established on the PM-KISAN portal. An AI chatbot named Kisan-eMitra, launched in September 2023, offers instant query resolution in local languages. This feature addresses farmers’ concerns regarding payments, registration, and eligibility, making the process more user-friendly.
Future Prospects and Challenges
The Government of India remains committed to including all eligible farmers in the PM-KISAN scheme. However, there are currently no proposals to expand the scheme to tenant farmers. This limitation raises questions about the inclusivity of the program and its ability to address the needs of all agricultural stakeholders. As the government continues to focus on saturating the scheme with eligible farmers, it must also consider the challenges faced by tenant farmers who play a vital role in the agricultural sector.
The ongoing efforts to enhance the PM-KISAN scheme reflect the government’s dedication to supporting farmers and improving their livelihoods. By leveraging technology and ensuring transparency, the scheme has made significant strides in empowering farmers across India. As the government navigates future challenges, it will be essential to maintain the momentum of this initiative and explore ways to broaden its reach to include all agricultural workers.
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