The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme is set to deliver its 19th installment to small and marginal farmers across India, with the funds expected to hit bank accounts on February 24, 2025. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan confirmed this date during recent announcements, promising the direct benefit transfer of Rs. 2,000 to millions of beneficiaries.
Under the PM-Kisan initiative, the government allocates Rs. 6,000 annually to support these farmers, disbursed in three installments of Rs. 2,000 each, every four months. This financial aid has been pivotal for over 11 crore farmers who depend on these funds to meet their agricultural needs.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Bhagalpur, Bihar, will not only initiate this transfer but also participate in various agriculture-related programs. This event is being looked forward to by many as it marks both the 19th installment release and the sixth anniversary of the PM-Kisan scheme.
"The Hon'ble Prime Minister will release the 19th installment of the PM Kisan Yojana on 24 February 2025," read the announcement from the PM Kisan official channels. Given the importance of this scheme, the government continues to promote the necessity of completing the electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) verification for all beneficiaries.
e-KYC verification serves to prevent fraudulent claims and ensures the genuine financial aid reaches those truly eligible. Farmers have until the last minute to complete their e-KYC; otherwise, they risk losing out on the installment. There are several methods to complete this process:
- OTP-Based e-KYC: Available on the PM-Kisan portal and mobile app.
- Face Authentication-Based e-KYC: Can be performed at home using the PM-Kisan app.
- Biometric-Based e-KYC: Offered at Common Service Centers (CSC) and State Service Centers.
It is imperative for farmers to finalize their e-KYC soon, as those lacking completion may not receive the upcoming installment. Farmers can check their beneficiary status online, providing their registration details on the official PM Kisan website.
To check the beneficiary list, farmers should follow these steps:
- Visit the official PM Kisan website: pmkisan.gov.in
- Select the “Beneficiary Status” option from the homepage.
- Enter either your Aadhaar number or bank account number.
- Click on “Get Data” to check your status.
Since its inception on February 24, 2019, the PM-Kisan scheme has made considerable strides. After 18 installments, the total amount disbursed has reached approximately Rs. 3.46 lakh crore, with the 19th installment expected to increase this figure significantly.
Among the eligibility requirements, the PM-Kisan scheme caters exclusively to small and marginal farmers who are landholders. Specific exclusions apply, including institutional landholders, pensioners earning over Rs. 10,000 monthly, and those who paid income tax last assessment year. The scheme prioritizes genuine beneficiaries to extend its financial support effectively.
On the official PM Kisan portal, detailed guidelines about eligibility and application processes are readily available. This initiative emphasizes government transparency, as it also allows farmers to track payment statuses and verify transactions made to their accounts.
With expectations high and preparations underway, the PM-Kisan scheme's latest installment is seen as not only financial help but also as recognition of the hard work put forth by farmers across India. The digitization of the process through e-KYC aims to facilitate quick and efficient disbursement of funds, reinforcing support for the agricultural sector during challenging times.
Farmers' hopes rest on this upcoming transfer, with many livelihoods depending on these funds. Hence, they are urged to remain vigilant about completing necessary checks and updates required to receive aid under this much-needed scheme. With assistance reaching millions, the PM-Kisan plan significantly impacts rural economies and uplifts the agricultural community.