The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM KISAN Scheme), launched in February 2019, was introduced as a direct income support scheme to provide Rs. 6,000 per year to eligible farmers across India. The scheme was seen as a major step to address rural distress and ensure minimum income for small and marginal farmers. But in Modi Government 3.0, is PM-KISAN still meeting expectations?
Objectives of the Scheme:
PM KISAN Scheme aims to:
- Provide direct cash support to small and marginal farmers.
- Improve their ability to invest in agricultural inputs.
- Reduce dependence on moneylenders and informal credit.
Key Features:
- Rs. 6,000/year paid in three equal installments of Rs. 2,000.
- Beneficiaries must own less than 2 hectares of cultivable land (though later extended to all eligible farmers).
- Funds are transferred directly to bank accounts via DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer).
- Over 11 crore farmers enrolled as of 2024.
Performance So Far:
- The scheme has disbursed over Rs. 2.8 lakh crore to farmers since its inception.
- PM-KISAN is credited with strengthening the rural economy during COVID-19 and inflation spikes.
- However, leakages and exclusion errors have been reported, where deserving farmers were left out due to Aadhaar or bank issues.
PM KISAN Scheme in Modi 3.0: The Present Reality:
As Modi Govt begins its third term, there are both achievements and concerns:
Positives:
- Payments are more timely and transparent than before.
- Aadhaar linking and KYC have reduced fake beneficiaries.
Challenges:
- Delays in KYC update have led to payment rejections.
- Tenant farmers and sharecroppers are still largely excluded, as the scheme favors land-owning farmers.
- No significant increase in the Rs. 6,000 amount, despite inflation.
Criticism and Policy Gaps:
- The fixed annual amount has not been revised since 2019.
- Many states lag behind in physical verification and grievance redressal.
- No direct link to productivity or diversification — it’s only an income transfer.
Conclusion: Is PM KISAN Scheme Still Worth It?
PM-KISAN remains a critical support system for India’s rural poor. It is politically popular, digitally streamlined, and still reaches millions. However, for Modi 3.0 to truly uplift farmers, the scheme needs:
- Inclusion of tenant farmers
- Revision in benefit amount
- Stronger monitoring and redress mechanisms
PM-KISAN is not a failure, but it’s time for it to evolve with the changing needs of India’s agrarian economy.
Official Resources:
- PM KISAN Website:- https://pmkisan.gov.in/
- Budget Allocation 2025: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2105462
Related Schemes:
PM KUSUM; PM KRISHI Sinchai Yojana; Kisan Credit Card & Others
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