Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)

Key features of PMGKAY

Objective:

• To provide direct income support to small and marginal farmers.

• To help reduce the financial burden of agricultural inputs and improve their livelihood.

Benefits:

• Farmers receive ₹6,000 per year, distributed in three equal instalments of ₹2,000 each.

• The amount is provided directly into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries.

Eligibility:

• Small and Marginal Farmers: The scheme primarily targets small and marginal farmers who own up to 2 hectares of land.

• Exclusions: Institutional landowners, former and current constitutional officeholders, and individuals who have held or are holding high offices (e.g., ministers, members of parliament) are not eligible.

• Income Criteria: Individuals who fall under the mentioned exclusions are not eligible for the plan, even though it is not directly based on income.

Implementation:

• Registration: Farmers need to register for the scheme through their local agriculture department or Common Service Centers (CSCs). The registration process requires details such as land records, bank account information, and Aadhaar number.

• Verification: The state government verifies the eligibility of applicants and updates the list of beneficiaries.

Impact:

• Financial Support: The scheme has provided crucial financial support to millions of farmers, helping them meet their agricultural expenses.

• Livelihood Improvement: PM-KISAN's goal in delivering direct cash transfers is to increase farmers' purchasing power and improve their quality of life.