PM Kisan Yojana: Eligibility, Installments, and How to Apply
- THE MAG POST
- Sep 7
- 5 min read
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, often referred to as PM Kisan Yojana, represents a significant stride in the Indian government's commitment to supporting its agricultural sector. Launched on December 1, 2018, this central sector scheme aims to provide direct financial assistance to all landholding farmer families in the country. The core of the PM Kisan Yojana lies in its direct benefit transfer mechanism, where eligible farmers receive ₹6,000 annually, paid in three equal installments of ₹2,000 directly into their bank accounts. This consistent financial injection is designed to supplement the income of farmers, helping them meet their agricultural and other incidental expenses, thereby fostering greater financial stability and encouraging investment in farming practices. The scheme's implementation has been marked by regular disbursals, with millions of farmers eagerly anticipating each installment to aid their agricultural endeavors and improve their livelihoods.
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Yojana: A Financial Lifeline for Indian Farmers
Launched with the noble intention of bolstering the financial stability of India's agricultural backbone, the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Yojana has emerged as a cornerstone of rural economic support. Since its inception on December 1, 2018, this central government initiative has been diligently channeling direct financial aid to millions of farmers across the nation. The scheme’s design is elegantly simple yet profoundly impactful: eligible farmers receive a direct benefit transfer of ₹6,000 annually, disbursed in three equal installments of ₹2,000 directly into their linked bank accounts. This consistent infusion of funds aims to provide a crucial safety net, enabling farmers to manage their agricultural expenses, invest in better farming practices, and navigate unforeseen financial challenges.
Disbursement Milestones and Anticipation for the 21st Installment
The PM-KISAN Yojana has consistently met its disbursement schedule, reflecting the government's commitment to this vital program. In August, the nation witnessed the transfer of the 20th installment, a significant event that saw over ₹20,500 crores credited to the accounts of more than 9.7 crore beneficiary farmers. This substantial disbursement underscores the scheme's reach and its tangible impact on the agricultural community. As the 20th installment settles, the focus naturally shifts to the upcoming 21st installment, eagerly awaited by farmers who rely on this financial support to sustain their agricultural operations and plan for the upcoming seasons. This next disbursement will push the total amount distributed under PM-KISAN past the remarkable milestone of ₹3.9 lakh crores, a testament to the scheme's scale and enduring significance.
Eligibility Criteria: Ensuring Support Reaches the Deserving
While the PM-KISAN Yojana aims for broad coverage, its benefits are specifically targeted towards genuine agricultural landowners who meet stringent eligibility criteria. The core requirements ensure that the financial assistance is directed towards those actively engaged in farming. To qualify, an applicant must possess agricultural land registered in their name prior to February 1, 2019. Furthermore, a functional bank account, seamlessly linked with Aadhaar and enabled for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) via the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), is mandatory. These prerequisites are designed to streamline the disbursement process and ensure that funds reach the intended recipients efficiently and securely, minimizing leakages and maximizing the scheme's effectiveness.
Exclusions: Identifying Those Not Covered by the Scheme
The PM-KISAN Yojana, while inclusive, necessarily has a defined set of exclusions to maintain its focus on small and marginal farmers. Several categories of individuals are deemed ineligible to prevent the misuse of funds and to ensure the scheme remains targeted. Notably, farmers who already have a family member benefiting from the scheme are excluded. Similarly, individuals who do not own cultivable land, or whose age is below 18 years as of February 1, 2019, are not eligible. The scheme also excludes owners of institutional land, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), and those whose family members hold constitutional posts, have served as ministers in central or state governments, or have held significant positions like Chairman of Zilla Parishad or Mayor of a Municipal Corporation. Furthermore, exclusions extend to individuals with family members who are, or have been, officers or employees (above Class IV) in Central/State Government departments, public sector undertakings, or autonomous institutions, especially if they receive a pension of ₹10,000 or more. Lastly, individuals or their family members who paid income tax in the previous financial year, or are practicing Doctors, Engineers, Lawyers, Chartered Accountants, or Architects, are also ineligible, ensuring the benefits are reserved for the farming community most in need.
Registration and Accessing the PM-KISAN Portal
For eligible farmers who meet the outlined criteria, the path to accessing the benefits of the PM-KISAN Yojana is straightforward. The government has established a dedicated official portal, pmkisan.gov.in, serving as the central hub for all scheme-related activities. This online platform empowers farmers to register themselves, update their details, and check their application status. The portal is designed to be user-friendly, facilitating easy navigation and access to information. By leveraging this digital infrastructure, the government ensures transparency and accessibility, allowing farmers to actively participate in the scheme and benefit from the financial assistance provided. The availability of this online resource simplifies the process, encouraging wider adoption and ensuring that eligible farmers can readily enroll and receive the support they deserve.
Key Takeaways
The PM-KISAN Yojana stands as a robust financial support mechanism for Indian farmers, providing ₹6,000 annually in three installments. The recent 20th disbursement, amounting to over ₹20,500 crores for 9.7 crore farmers, highlights the scheme's significant impact. Eligibility hinges on owning registered agricultural land before February 1, 2019, and having an Aadhaar-linked, DBT-enabled bank account. Crucially, several categories are excluded, including those with family members already benefiting, non-landowners, minors, NRIs, and individuals or their family members holding constitutional posts, government positions (with pensionary exceptions), or practicing certain professions, or those who paid income tax recently. Registration and status checks are facilitated through the official portal, pmkisan.gov.in, ensuring accessibility and transparency for all eligible beneficiaries.
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