PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana: Eligibility Criteria

PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana (PM-KISAN) is a Central Sector scheme launched by the Government of India in February 2019, effective from December 1, 2018, to provide financial support to landholding farmer families across India. The scheme offers an annual income support of ₹6,000, disbursed in three equal installments of ₹2,000 every four months, directly transferred to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). This article outlines the eligibility criteria for the PM-KISAN scheme, including who qualifies and who is excluded, to help farmers understand their eligibility.

Eligibility Criteria for PM Kisan Yojana

To qualify for the PM-KISAN scheme, farmers must meet the following criteria:

  1. Land Ownership:
    • The farmer family must own cultivable land as per the land records of the respective State or Union Territory. The scheme is open to all landholding farmers, irrespective of the size of their landholding, following the expansion of the scheme’s scope in 2019.
    • The land must be used for agricultural purposes. Land used for non-agricultural purposes does not qualify.
    • A “farmer family” is defined as a husband, wife, and minor children (under 18 years of age).
  2. Citizenship:
    • The beneficiary must be a citizen of India.
  3. No Restriction on Land Size:
    • Initially, the scheme was limited to small and marginal farmers with landholdings up to 2 hectares. However, this restriction was removed, making all landholding farmers eligible, regardless of the size of their land.
  4. No Age Restriction:
    • There is no age limit for farmers to qualify for the scheme, making it inclusive for farmers of all age groups.

Exclusion Criteria

Certain categories of individuals and families are excluded from the PM-KISAN scheme to ensure that the benefits reach small and marginal farmers rather than high-income groups or non-agricultural professionals. The following are not eligible:

  1. Institutional Landholders:
    • Farmers who hold land on behalf of institutions (e.g., trusts, societies, or organizations) are not eligible.
  2. Income Tax Payers:
    • Farmers or any member of their family who paid income tax in the previous assessment year are excluded.
  3. High-Income Pensioners:
    • Retired or superannuated individuals receiving a pension of ₹10,000 or more per month are not eligible. However, this does not apply to pensioners who are multi-tasking staff, Class IV, or Group D employees.
  4. Professionals:
    • Families with members who are practicing professionals, such as doctors, engineers, lawyers, chartered accountants, or architects, registered with professional bodies, are ineligible.
  5. Constitutional Post Holders:
    • Former or current holders of constitutional posts, including Members of Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, State Legislative Councils, Ministers, State Ministers, Mayors of Municipal Corporations, or Chairpersons of District Panchayats, are excluded.
  6. Government Employees:
    • Current or retired officers and employees of Central or State Government Ministries, departments, public sector enterprises, or autonomous institutions (except multi-tasking staff, Class IV, or Group D employees) are not eligible.
  7. Tenant Farmers and Landless Farmers:
    • Farmers who do not own land in their name (e.g., tenant farmers or those farming on others’ land) are not eligible.

Additional Requirements

  • Aadhaar Card:
    • Possession of an Aadhaar card is mandatory for registration and to receive benefits under the PM-KISAN scheme. Farmers without an Aadhaar card cannot enroll.
  • e-KYC Compliance:
    • Beneficiaries must complete the e-KYC process to verify their identity and ensure timely disbursement of installments. Failure to complete e-KYC may result in the suspension of payments.
  • Bank Account:
    • Farmers must have an Aadhaar-seeded bank account for direct benefit transfer. Required documents include proof of citizenship, land ownership documents, and bank account details.

Registration Process

Eligible farmers can apply for the PM-KISAN scheme through the following methods:

  • Online: Visit the official PM-KISAN portal (https://pmkisan.gov.in) and select “New Farmer Registration” under the Farmer’s Corner section. Submit required details and scanned copies of documents.
  • Offline: Approach local patwaris, revenue officers, or Common Service Centres (CSCs) with necessary documents and pay a nominal fee for registration.
  • Mobile App: Download the PM-KISAN mobile app and follow the registration process under the “New Farmer Registration” section.

Benefits of PM-KISAN

The PM-KISAN scheme provides ₹6,000 annually to eligible farmers, disbursed in three installments of ₹2,000 each during April–July, August–November, and December–March. This financial support can be used for agricultural inputs (seeds, fertilizers, irrigation) or household needs, with no restrictions on usage. The scheme also offers access to short-term loans through the Kisan Credit Card.

Conclusion

The PM-KISAN scheme is a transformative initiative aimed at supporting India’s farmers by providing direct financial assistance. By understanding the eligibility criteria and exclusion conditions, farmers can determine their eligibility and apply through online or offline channels. The scheme’s focus on small and marginal farmers, combined with its transparent DBT mechanism, ensures that financial aid reaches those who need it most, empowering them to invest in agriculture and improve their livelihoods.

 

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