Keywords: Pradhan Mantri Samman Nidhi Yojana (PM-KISAN), aim, farmers, income support.
Required Approach: Factual
Points to Remember:
- PM-KISAN’s primary objective.
- Target beneficiaries.
- Key features of the scheme.
- Impact and criticisms (if any).
Introduction:
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Yojana is a flagship central government scheme in India aimed at providing income support to small and marginal farmers. Launched in February 2019, the scheme aims to supplement the income of landholding farmer families and improve their financial stability. It’s a crucial component of the government’s efforts to address rural poverty and enhance agricultural productivity. While options (C) and (D) relate to agricultural support, they are not the primary aim of PM-KISAN. Option (B) is incorrect as the scheme doesn’t provide pensions.
Body:
1. The Primary Aim of PM-KISAN:
The core objective of PM-KISAN is to provide a minimum income support to small and marginal farmer families. This financial assistance is intended to help them meet their essential needs and invest in their farming activities. The scheme directly transfers a fixed amount of money to eligible farmers’ bank accounts on a periodic basis.
2. Target Beneficiaries:
The scheme targets all landholding farmer families across India, with a few exceptions. The definition of a “small and marginal farmer” is based on landholding size, varying slightly across states. The scheme aims to cover a vast majority of India’s farming population, recognizing the crucial role of small farmers in the country’s agricultural sector.
3. Key Features of the Scheme:
- Financial Support: The scheme provides an annual income support of â?¹6000, disbursed in three equal installments of â?¹2000 each.
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): The funds are transferred directly to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts through DBT, minimizing leakages and ensuring transparency.
- Eligibility Criteria: Eligibility is based on landholding size and other criteria defined by the government.
- Exclusions: Certain categories of farmers, such as institutional landholders and those holding high-income government jobs, are excluded.
4. Impact and Criticisms:
While PM-KISAN has been widely lauded for its potential to alleviate rural poverty and improve farmers’ livelihoods, some criticisms have been raised. These include concerns about the adequacy of the financial support provided, the exclusion of certain categories of farmers, and the potential for misuse or leakage of funds in some cases. However, the scheme’s overall impact on improving farmers’ income and reducing rural distress is generally considered positive.
Conclusion:
In summary, the primary aim of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana is to provide minimum income support to small and marginal farmer families. The scheme’s direct benefit transfer mechanism and wide reach have made it a significant initiative in India’s rural development strategy. While challenges remain in ensuring equitable distribution and maximizing its impact, PM-KISAN represents a crucial step towards improving the financial security and well-being of India’s farming community. Further refinements and expansions of the scheme, perhaps incorporating elements of crop insurance or access to credit, could further enhance its effectiveness in promoting sustainable and holistic rural development, aligning with the constitutional values of social justice and economic equality. Therefore, the correct answer is (A).
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