The Kissan Samman Nidhi, also known as PM-KISAN, is an initiative by the Government of India aimed at providing financial support to the country’s small and marginal farmers. Launched in February 2019, this scheme aims to ensure a stable income for farmers and alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with farming.
Background and Purpose
The primary objective of the Kissan Samman Nidhi scheme is to augment the income of the farmers by providing them with direct financial aid. This initiative addresses the need for a reliable income source, which is especially crucial during off-seasons and periods of crop failure.
Eligibility Criteria
Who Can Benefit?
To benefit from the Kissan Samman Nidhi scheme, farmers must meet specific eligibility criteria. The scheme primarily targets small and marginal farmers who own cultivable land.
Farmer Categories
Eligible beneficiaries include:
- Small farmers with landholdings up to 2 hectares.
- Marginal farmers with even smaller land parcels.
- Landless farmers working on leased land.
Exclusions and Limitations
Certain categories of farmers are excluded from the scheme. These include:
- Institutional landholders.
- Farmer families with members who are current or former constitutional officeholders.
- Farmers or any family member who paid income tax in the last assessment year.
- Professionals like doctors, engineers, and lawyers who are registered with professional bodies.
Registration Process
How to Register for Kissan Samman Nidhi
Farmers can register for the Kissan Samman Nidhi scheme through both online and offline methods.
Online Registration
- Visit the official PM-KISAN portal.
- Click on ‘New Farmer Registration.’
- Fill in the required details such as Aadhaar number, bank account, and land records.
- Submit the form and keep a copy for reference.
Offline Registration
Farmers can also register at their local revenue offices or through common service centers (CSCs) by providing the necessary documents and filling out the registration form.
Benefits and Payouts
Financial Assistance
The scheme offers financial assistance to the farmers in the form of direct income support.
Payment Structure
Eligible farmers receive ₹6,000 per year, distributed in three equal installments of ₹2,000 each.
Disbursement Process
The amount is directly transferred to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, ensuring transparency and efficiency.