The PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, a flagship initiative of the central government, is set to provide financial relief to nearly 9.8 crore farmers with the disbursement of its 19th installment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will officially release ₹22,000 crore directly into the bank accounts of registered beneficiaries during a function in Bhagalpur, Bihar, on February 24.
Launched on December 1, 2018, the PM Kisan Scheme aims to provide income support of ₹6,000 per year to eligible landholding farmer families. This amount is divided into three equal installments of ₹2,000 each, which are credited every four months. The program is 100% centrally funded and implemented across all states and Union Territories.
To qualify for the scheme, a farmer family must consist of a husband, wife, and minor children, with state governments and UTs identifying the beneficiaries. However, certain individuals are excluded from availing benefits under PM-KISAN, including:
- Institutional landowners
- Current and former holders of constitutional posts, including MPs, MLAs, and Ministers
- Government employees (excluding lower-grade staff) and pensioners receiving ₹10,000 or more per month
- Income tax payers from the last assessment year
- Professionals such as doctors, engineers, lawyers, chartered accountants, and architects engaged in private practice
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan confirmed that the PM will personally release the installment in Bihar, with around 2.5 crore farmers participating virtually and in-person. He emphasized that the event is not linked to the upcoming Bihar elections, as PM Modi has previously released installments from different states.
The PM Kisan Scheme has been instrumental in supporting farmers across India, ensuring that they receive timely financial aid to sustain agricultural activities. The upcoming 19th installment will further reinforce the government’s commitment to empowering the farming community and boosting rural economic growth.
