The Indian government is set to release the 18th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme on October 5, 2024. This scheme, initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, provides essential financial assistance to small and marginal farmers across India. Under this initiative, farmers receive Rs. 6,000 annually, distributed in three installments of Rs. 2,000 each. The previous installment was disbursed on June 18, 2024, directly into the bank accounts of eligible farmers. The upcoming 18th installment will bring much-needed financial relief to farmers, helping them sustain their agricultural activities and improve their livelihoods.
Details of PM-KISAN Yojana:
The PM-KISAN scheme was launched in 2019 to provide financial support to small and marginal farmers owning up to 2 hectares of land. The objective of this scheme is to reduce the financial burden on farmers and help them invest in agricultural activities. The annual amount of Rs. 6,000 provided under this scheme ensures that farmers have access to immediate financial resources without relying on high-interest loans or other financial burdens. The funds are transferred directly into the farmers’ bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, ensuring transparency and minimizing delays.
This initiative has become a critical lifeline for millions of farmers across India, helping them manage expenses related to seeds, fertilizers, equipment, and other essential farming needs. As of October 2024, over 12 crore farmers have benefited from this scheme.
Eligibility Criteria for PM-KISAN Yojana:
To avail the benefits of the PM-KISAN scheme, farmers must meet the following eligibility criteria:
1.Landholding Requirement: Farmers who own up to 2 hectares of cultivable land are eligible to apply for this scheme. The landholding should be registered in the farmer’s name, and they should be actively involved in agricultural activities.
2.Exclusion Criteria:
•Farmers who hold constitutional posts, such as current or former ministers, MPs, and MLAs, are not eligible.
•Government employees, excluding Group D or Class IV officials, are also excluded.
•Those receiving a pension of more than Rs. 10,000 per month, taxpayers, and professionals like doctors, engineers, and lawyers, are not eligible for the scheme.
3.Small and Marginal Farmers: This scheme specifically targets small and marginal farmers, ensuring that those who require the most financial support receive it.
Steps to Check Eligibility for PM-KISAN Yojana:
Farmers can easily check if they are eligible or already enrolled in the PM-KISAN scheme by following these steps:
1.Visit the Official PM-KISAN Website: Go to the official portal at www.pmkisan.gov.in.
2.Navigate to the Beneficiary List: On the homepage, click on the ‘Beneficiary List’ section.
3.Enter Required Details: Provide the details of your state, district, sub-district, block, and village.
4.View the Beneficiary Report: After entering the necessary details, click on ‘Get Report’ to view the beneficiary list. Check if your name is included to confirm your eligibility for the 18th installment.
This simple process ensures that farmers can confirm their participation in the scheme and avoid missing out on the next installment.
eKYC Process for PM-KISAN Scheme:
To continue receiving payments under the PM-KISAN scheme, it is mandatory for farmers to complete their eKYC (electronic Know Your Customer) verification. The government has introduced multiple ways to complete this process, ensuring that it is accessible to all farmers, even those in remote areas.
Here are the three methods available to complete eKYC:
1. OTP-based eKYC
•Available on the PM-KISAN Portal: Farmers can visit the PM-KISAN website and use the OTP-based eKYC method to verify their details.
•Steps: Enter your Aadhaar number and click on the ‘Get OTP’ button. You will receive a One Time Password (OTP) on your registered mobile number. Enter the OTP to complete the eKYC process.
•Mobile App Option: You can also complete OTP-based eKYC using the PM-KISAN Mobile App, which provides a convenient way to verify your details on the go.
2. Biometric eKYC
•Common Service Centres (CSCs): Farmers can visit their nearest CSC or State Seva Kendra (SSK) to complete the eKYC process using biometric verification.
•How It Works: At the CSC, a staff member will assist you in verifying your details using your Aadhaar-linked biometric information. This process is secure and ensures that your identity is correctly verified.
•Offline Process: This is especially useful for farmers who may not have access to the internet or a mobile phone.
3. Face Authentication-based eKYC
•Newly Introduced Feature: The government has introduced a Face Authentication-based eKYC option, which can be completed using the PM-KISAN Mobile App.
•Steps: After logging into the mobile app, select the Face Authentication eKYC option. The app will use your phone’s camera to capture your image and match it with your Aadhaar-linked photograph to verify your identity.
These methods make the eKYC process accessible and straightforward, ensuring that farmers can continue to receive their benefits without any disruptions.
How to Check Account Balance for PM-KISAN Payments:
Farmers who want to check their account balance and confirm the status of their installment payment can do so by following these steps:
1.Visit the PM-KISAN Website: Log on to the official PM-KISAN portal.
2.Click on ‘Beneficiary Status’: On the homepage, select the ‘Beneficiary Status’ option.
3.Enter Aadhaar Number: Provide your Aadhaar number or registered mobile number to view your account status and balance.
4.Check Payment Status: You will be able to see the details of the previous installment payments and the expected date for the next payment.