PM Modi Sanctions 17th PM-KISAN Instalment (GS Paper 2, Government Policies)
Introduction
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, embarking on his third term after re-election, has initiated the disbursement of the 17th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme.
- This move, aimed at aiding approximately 9.3 crore farmers with an allocation of Rs 20,000 crore, underscores the government's unwavering commitment to bolstering agricultural livelihoods.
PM-KISAN Scheme Overview
- The PM-KISAN scheme, launched in February 2019 and implemented from December 2018, is a transformative initiative designed to provide financial assistance to eligible farmer families across India.
- Under this scheme, each qualified farmer receives Rs 6,000 annually, disbursed in three equal installments of Rs 2,000 every four months, directly into their bank accounts.
Impact and Objectives
- The primary objective of the PM-KISAN scheme is to enhance the economic well-being and productivity of farmers by offering direct income support.
- By providing farmers with financial resources to purchase agricultural inputs and meet their personal needs, the scheme aims to uplift the socio-economic status of farmers nationwide and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
Government's Commitment and Budget Allocation
- Prime Minister Modi's assertion of the government's steadfast commitment to "Kisan Kalyan" reflects its prioritization of farmer welfare.
- With an enhanced budget allocation of Rs 1.27 lakh crore for the fiscal year 2024-25, exceeding previous fiscal budgets, the government demonstrates its proactive stance towards agricultural development.
- The forthcoming full budget disclosure in July 2024 is anticipated to provide further insights into the government's comprehensive agricultural strategy.
PM-KISAN Scheme Expansion and Implementation
- Originally targeted at small and marginal farmers, the PM-KISAN scheme was expanded in 2023 to encompass all landholding farmer families, irrespective of land size.
- Implementation mechanisms, including mandatory Aadhaar linkage and online registration through the PM-KISAN portal, ensure efficient beneficiary identification and fund disbursement.
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) ensures transparency and prevents fund leakage, reinforcing the scheme's efficacy.
Conclusion
- The sanctioning of the 17th PM-KISAN installment marks a significant milestone in the government's ongoing efforts to empower India's farming community.
- As the scheme continues to evolve and expand its reach, it exemplifies the government's resolve to foster inclusive growth, enhance agricultural sustainability, and improve the livelihoods of millions of farmers across the nation.
