PM Narendra Modi Disburses Rs 20,000 Crore Under PM-KISAN
In a significant move for India’s agricultural sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release the 17th installment of approximately Rs 20,000 crore under the PM-KISAN scheme on June 18, 2024, in Varanasi. This announcement was made by Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan during a press conference on June 15, 2024.
Key Highlights of the Event:
- PM-KISAN Disbursement:
- The 17th installment will benefit over 9.26 crore farmers across the nation.
- The installment, amounting to Rs 20,000 crore, will be disbursed with a single click by Prime Minister Modi.
- Certificates to Krishi Sakhis:
- Certificates will be granted to more than 30,000 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) as Krishi Sakhis.
- Five Krishi Sakhis will receive certificates from the Prime Minister as a token gesture.
- Event Participation:
- The event will be attended by esteemed dignitaries including the Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath, and various other ministers from the state government.
Union Minister’s Remarks:
Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized the critical role of agriculture in India’s economy, highlighting that it remains a primary source of employment and economic stability. He praised Prime Minister Modi for prioritizing agricultural welfare and for the significant measures taken to support farmers.
PM-KISAN Scheme Overview:
- Launched on February 24, 2019, the PM-KISAN scheme provides financial assistance to land-holding farmers.
- To date, the government has disbursed over Rs 3.04 lakh crore to more than 11 crore farmers.
- With the upcoming release, the total disbursed amount will exceed Rs 3.24 lakh crore.
Krishi Sakhi Initiative:
- The Krishi Sakhi program, rolled out in 12 states, trains women as para-extension workers to support fellow farmers and enhance their incomes by Rs 60,000 to Rs 80,000 annually.
- The initiative aims to empower three crore “Lakhpati Didis,” with one crore already benefiting from the program.
Additional Programs and Outreach:
- On June 18, various Union Ministers will visit 50 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) to interact with farmers and raise awareness about agricultural schemes.
- The event will be broadcast live on DD, DD Kisan, MyGov, YouTube, Facebook, and across more than five lakh Common Service Centres (CSCs) nationwide.
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan-Dhan Yojana (PM-KISAN) – FAQ
What is the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan-Dhan Yojana (PM-KISAN)?
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan-Dhan Yojana (PM-KISAN) is a social security scheme aimed at providing financial stability to all landholding Small and Marginal Farmers in India during their old age. It ensures a fixed pension to support farmers who have minimal or no savings and lack a stable livelihood post-retirement.
What benefits do farmers receive under PM-KISAN?
Eligible farmers receive a fixed monthly pension of Rs. 3,000 upon reaching the age of 60. This pension is intended to help them live a healthy and happy life in their old age.
Who is eligible to join the PM-KISAN scheme?
Farmers aged 18 to 40 years who are categorized as Small and Marginal Farmers with land holdings are eligible to join the scheme. Additionally, the spouses of these farmers can also join the scheme separately and receive their own pension of Rs. 3,000 per month upon reaching the age of 60.
How does the contribution to the PM-KISAN scheme work?
The scheme is voluntary and contribution-based. Farmers need to contribute between Rs. 55 to Rs. 200 per month to the Pension Fund, depending on their age at the time of joining. The Central Government makes an equal contribution to the Pension Fund.
Who manages the Pension Fund under PM-KISAN?
The Pension Fund is managed by the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC).
What happens if a farmer wants to leave the PM-KISAN scheme?
Farmers can opt out of the scheme at any time. If they choose to leave, their contributions to the Pension Fund will be returned to them along with interest.
What are the provisions in case of the farmer’s death before the retirement age?
- If the farmer dies before reaching the retirement age, the spouse can continue the scheme by paying the remaining contributions until the deceased farmer would have turned 60.
- If the spouse does not wish to continue, the total contributions made by the farmer, along with interest, will be paid to the spouse.
- If there is no spouse, the total contributions along with interest will be paid to the nominee.
What happens if the farmer dies after the retirement age?
If the farmer dies after reaching the retirement age, the spouse will receive 50% of the pension, which amounts to Rs. 1,500 per month, as Family Pension.
Can PM-KISAN beneficiaries join PM-KISAN?
Yes, beneficiaries of the PM-KISAN scheme can join PM-KMY. They can opt to have their contributions directly paid from the same bank account in which they receive their PM-Kisan benefits.
How can farmers enroll in the PM-KISAN scheme?
Farmers who wish to join the scheme should visit the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) with their Aadhaar number and bank passbook or account details. Enrollment is free of cost and farmers are not required to make any payment at the CSC Centres.
Are there any alternative ways to enroll in the PM-KISAN scheme?
Yes, alternative enrollment facilities through PM-Kisan State Nodal Officers or online enrollment methods will also be made available in the future.
Is there a cost for enrolling in the PM-KISAN scheme?
No, enrollment under the PM-KISAN scheme is free of cost.
Conclusion:
This landmark event marks the continuation of the government’s commitment to agricultural development and farmer welfare. By supporting SHGs and implementing innovative programs like Krishi Sakhi, the government is striving to achieve a prosperous and self-reliant agricultural sector.