Explain PM Kisan in 500 words
PM-Kisan (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi) is a government initiative in India aimed at providing financial support to small and marginal farmers. It was launched in February 2019 by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, with the objective of ensuring income support to the farmers and to augment their financial resources for the purchase of various inputs to ensure proper crop health and appropriate yields.
Under the PM-Kisan scheme, an income support of Rs. 6,000 per year is provided to eligible farmers in three equal installments of Rs. 2,000 each. The scheme is applicable to all small and marginal farmers who own cultivable land up to 2 hectares. The income support is directly transferred to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode.
The scheme aims to address the financial needs of farmers and alleviate their distress by providing them with a stable income. It is expected to help farmers meet their agricultural expenses such as seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and other inputs required for farming. The scheme also aims to ensure timely availability of inputs to farmers, thereby enhancing their productivity and income levels.
To ensure the effective implementation of the PM-Kisan scheme, the government has undertaken various measures. The first step was the identification of eligible beneficiaries through the use of technology. The data from various sources such as land records, Aadhaar, and bank accounts were integrated to identify the eligible farmers. This helped in eliminating duplication and ensuring that the benefits reach the intended beneficiaries.
The scheme also introduced a self-registration process for farmers who were not part of the initial database. This allowed farmers to apply for the scheme and get themselves registered. The self-registration process was made available through the PM-Kisan portal, Common Service Centers (CSCs), and through the assistance of the nodal officers appointed at the village level.
To further streamline the implementation process, the government also launched the PM-Kisan mobile app. The app allows farmers to check their payment status, update their details, and get information about the scheme. It also provides a platform for farmers to raise grievances and seek assistance.
In addition to providing financial support, the PM-Kisan scheme also focuses on the overall welfare of farmers. The government has introduced various measures to enhance the income of farmers, such as promoting the use of technology in agriculture, improving irrigation facilities, and providing better market access to farmers. These initiatives aim to transform Indian agriculture and make it more sustainable and profitable.
Since its launch, the PM-Kisan scheme has benefitted millions of farmers across the country. It has provided them with a stable income and improved their financial condition. The scheme has also helped in reducing the dependence of farmers on informal credit sources and has played a significant role in addressing rural distress.
However, there have been some challenges in the implementation of the scheme. Issues such as incorrect data entry, delays in payments, and exclusion of eligible farmers have been reported in some cases. The government has taken note of these challenges and has been working towards resolving them to ensure the smooth functioning of the scheme.
Overall, the PM-Kisan scheme is a significant step towards empowering farmers and ensuring their financial well-being. It recognizes the importance of agriculture in the Indian economy and aims to provide a safety net to farmers. With continued efforts and improvements, the scheme has the potential to bring about a positive change in the lives of millions of farmers in India.