Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the 21st installment of the PM Kisan scheme, a significant financial support initiative for farmers, during an event in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. This disbursement will provide eligible farmers with Rs 2,000 directly into their bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism.
The government has reiterated the compulsory nature of eKYC (Electronic Know Your Customer) for all registered PM Kisan beneficiaries to continue receiving payments. Farmers can complete this verification process conveniently through OTP-based eKYC on the PM Kisan portal or by visiting their nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) for biometric verification.
How to check beneficiary list:
Farmers can verify their inclusion in the scheme by checking the official beneficiary list available on the PM Kisan website (https://pmkisan.gov.in/). The process involves navigating to the "Farmers Corner," clicking on "Beneficiary List," selecting their State, District, Block, and Village, and then retrieving the report.
Exclusions from Installment:
Some farmers may experience a delay in receiving this installment as their eligibility is currently under review. This includes individuals who became landowners after February 1, 2019, and households where multiple members are already registered beneficiaries, such as both spouses or an adult and a minor. Payments for these cases are temporarily on hold pending physical verification.
Checking PM Kisan Status and eKYC:
Beneficiaries can track their individual status and eKYC progress using the "Know Your Status" option in the "Farmers Corner" on the PM Kisan portal. Additionally, farmers can now complete eKYC using mobile-based face authentication via the PM Kisan app and Aadhaar Face RD app. Successful eKYC updates from any platform (portal, app, CSC) are typically reflected within 24 hours. Real-time updates are also available through the Kisan-eMitra AI Chatbot.
Impact:
This direct cash transfer aims to support farmers' financial needs, boost rural consumption, and reinforce government commitment to the agricultural sector. It ensures continued economic activity in rural areas and sustains demand for various goods and services. The eKYC mandate helps in weeding out potential duplicates or ineligible beneficiaries, ensuring the scheme's integrity and efficient allocation of resources.
Impact Rating: 7/10
Difficult Terms Explained:
- PM Kisan Scheme: A central sector scheme providing financial support to farmers with cultivable land, offering Rs 6,000 per year in three equal installments.
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): A method used by the government to transfer subsidies and benefits directly into the bank accounts of beneficiaries, eliminating intermediaries.
- eKYC (Electronic Know Your Customer): A process to verify the identity of individuals electronically, ensuring the legitimacy of beneficiaries.
- OTP (One Time Password): A unique, temporary password sent to a registered mobile number for authentication.
- Biometric Verification: Verifying identity using unique biological characteristics, such as fingerprints or facial scans.
- Common Service Centre (CSC): Rural access points providing government and private services, including eKYC verification.
- Physical Verification: An on-site inspection or confirmation process to validate details or eligibility.
- Face Authentication: A biometric method using facial recognition technology for identity verification.