Explain PM Kisan Samman Nidhi in 500 words
PM Kisan Samman Nidhi is a government scheme launched by the Government of India in February It aims to provide financial assistance to small and marginal farmers across the country. The scheme was announced in the interim budget of 2019-20, with an allocation of Rs. 75,000 crore.
Under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, eligible farmers receive a direct income support of Rs. 6,000 per year in three equal installments. The scheme is implemented by the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare (DAC&FW) under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. It is a 100% centrally funded scheme, with the funds being directly transferred to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode.
Eligibility for the scheme is determined by certain criteria. Firstly, the farmer should be a citizen of India. Secondly, the farmer should own cultivable land as per the land records of the respective states. Thirdly, the farmer's landholding should be less than 2 hectares. The scheme covers both land-owning farmers as well as landless agricultural laborers who are currently not covered under any other social security scheme.
The PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme has several objectives. Firstly, it aims to provide financial support to farmers to meet their agricultural expenses and improve their livelihood. The direct income support of Rs. 6,000 per year is expected to help farmers in purchasing inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and other agricultural equipment. Secondly, the scheme aims to ensure the financial inclusion of farmers by directly transferring the funds to their bank accounts. This eliminates middlemen and reduces leakages in the system. Thirdly, the scheme aims to address the issue of farmer distress and reduce their dependence on informal sources of credit. By providing a regular income support, the scheme aims to stabilize the income of farmers and improve their economic condition.
The implementation of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme involves coordination between the central government, state governments, and various other stakeholders. The central government is responsible for the overall implementation and monitoring of the scheme. The state governments play a crucial role in identifying and verifying the beneficiaries based on the land records. The state governments also provide the necessary infrastructure and support for the smooth implementation of the scheme.
The PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme has witnessed significant progress since its launch. As of August 2021, more than 11 crore farmers have been enrolled under the scheme, and around Rs. 15 lakh crore has been disbursed to the beneficiaries. The scheme has been particularly beneficial for small and marginal farmers who often face financial constraints in meeting their agricultural expenses.
However, the scheme has also faced certain challenges and criticisms. One of the main challenges is the issue of identification and verification of beneficiaries. Due to discrepancies in land records, some eligible farmers have been left out, while some ineligible farmers have received the benefits. There have also been instances of corruption and misuse of funds in some states. Another criticism is that the income support of Rs. 6,000 per year may not be sufficient to address the financial needs of farmers, especially in times of agricultural distress.
In conclusion, the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme is a significant step towards providing financial assistance to small and marginal farmers in India. It aims to improve their economic condition and reduce their dependence on informal sources of credit. While the scheme has witnessed considerable progress, there is a need for continuous monitoring and improvement to ensure the effective implementation and reach of benefits to the intended beneficiaries.