The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme is a significant initiative by the Indian government aimed at providing financial support to small and marginal farmers. As per recent announcements, the 19th installment of this program will be credited to eligible beneficiaries’ accounts by the end of February 2025. Central Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will personally oversee the distribution of this installment during his visit to Bihar on February 24, coinciding with a series of agricultural events. It’s important to note that e-KYC verification is mandatory for farmers to receive benefits under the PM Kisan scheme. The 18th payment was successfully disbursed on October 15, 2024, marking a continued commitment to farmers’ welfare.
Overview of the PM Kisan Scheme
The PM Kisan scheme is wholly funded by the Government of India, emphasizing direct financial assistance to eligible farmers. Under this initiative, farmers receive an annual sum of ₹6,000, divided into three equal installments of ₹2,000 each. This direct transfer method ensures that the funds reach the farmers without any intermediaries, thus optimizing the benefits. A critical aspect of this scheme is the mandatory e-KYC, designed to prevent fraudulent claims and ensure that genuine farmers benefit from the program.
Importance of e-KYC in PM Kisan Scheme
e-KYC (Electronic Know Your Customer) is essential for the validation of farmers under the PM Kisan scheme. It verifies the identity and credibility of beneficiaries, preventing misuse of the funds by ineligible individuals. This process assists in streamlining the distribution and ensuring that the financial benefits reach the intended recipients. There are multiple methods available for farmers to complete their e-KYC:
Methods for e-KYC Verification
| e-KYC Method | Description | Where to Access |
|---|---|---|
| OTP Based e-KYC | Verification through One-Time Password (OTP) sent to the registered mobile number. | PM Kisan Portal and Mobile App |
| Biometric Based e-KYC | Utilizing biometric data for verification. | Common Service Centers (CSC) and State Service Centers (SSK) |
| Face Authentication Based e-KYC | Verification using facial recognition technology. | PM Kisan Mobile App |
How to Register for the PM Kisan Scheme?
Eligible farmers wishing to benefit from the PM-Kisan scheme must complete several steps for registration:
- Provide a valid Aadhaar card.
- Submit proof of citizenship.
- Present documents verifying land ownership.
- Share bank account details for fund disbursement.
- Complete the e-KYC process.
Farmers can visit the PM Kisan Portal to register online or opt to visit their nearest Common Service Center (CSC) for assistance. Additionally, farmers may contact their state government nodal officers or local revenue officials for further support in the registration process.