The PM-KISAN Scheme, launched in February 2019, has been instrumental in providing direct financial aid to farmers across India. Under this initiative, eligible farmers receive ₹6,000 per year in three equal installments through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). However, in a recent development, the government has recovered ₹416 crore from ineligible beneficiaries, including income tax payees, government employees, PSU staff, and constitutional post holders who do not qualify for the scheme.

Stricter Eligibility Measures & Verification

To ensure that only eligible farmers receive benefits, the government has enforced multiple verification processes:

• Aadhaar-based payments are now mandatory to authenticate farmers' identities.

• eKYC completion is required to continue receiving installments.

• Land seeding with PM-KISAN records ensures accurate beneficiary data.

• Facial authentication eKYC, introduced in June 2023, helps farmers in remote regions verify their identity using facial scans.

Farmers failing to complete these verification steps have had their payments stopped. However, once they fulfill the requirements, they will receive their pending installments.

Technology-Driven Monitoring for Transparency

The government has implemented advanced technology-driven solutions to enhance transparency and efficiency:

• PM-KISAN Portal & Mobile App: Farmers can register, track payments, and complete eKYC using these platforms.

• Common Service Centres (CSCs): Over 5 lakh CSCs across India assist farmers with registrations and verifications.

• AI Chatbot ‘Kisan-eMitra’: Launched in September 2023, this AI-powered assistant provides instant support in local languages regarding payments, registration, and eligibility queries.

Enrollment Expansion & Farmer Inclusion

The government is actively expanding PM-KISAN coverage through nationwide saturation drives in coordination with State Governments. Since November 15, 2023, over 1.5 crore new farmers have been added to the scheme, ensuring that no eligible farmer is left behind.

Impact of PM-KISAN on Rural Economy

A study conducted by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) in 2019 highlighted the positive impact of PM-KISAN funds on rural economic growth:

• Boosted rural financial stability, enabling farmers to invest in agriculture.

• Eased credit constraints, providing better access to loans and financial services.

• Increased risk-taking capacity, allowing farmers to adopt modern agricultural techniques and expand productivity.

Conclusion

The PM-KISAN Scheme remains a crucial initiative for supporting India's agricultural sector. With strict verification measures and technology-driven solutions, the government is ensuring that financial aid reaches only the deserving farmers. The recovery of ₹416 crore from ineligible beneficiaries reflects the commitment to maintaining transparency and efficiency in the scheme's execution.

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