New Delhi, Dec 6: Minister of State for Agriculture, Ram Nath Thakur on Friday informed the Rajya Sabha that the Government has released Rs 20,657 crore to over 9.58 crore farmers as part of the 18th installment under the PM-KISAN scheme, benefiting farmers for the period of August-November 2024.
He further said that the PM-KISAN scheme, launched in February 2019 by the Prime Minister, has been successful in supplementing the financial needs of land-holding farmers across India. The scheme transfers Rs 6,000 per year, paid in three equal installments, directly to the Aadhaar-seeded bank accounts of eligible farmers through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode.
Since its inception, the scheme has disbursed over Rs 3.46 lakh crore in 18 installments. The government’s digital infrastructure ensures transparency in beneficiary registration and verification, ensuring that the benefits reach farmers without the involvement of intermediaries.
Thakur also mentioned that recoveries from ineligible beneficiaries, such as those from higher-income groups, income tax payees, and government employees, have been initiated by the respective state governments. So far, Rs 335 crore has been recovered from these ineligible beneficiaries.
Responding to another query, the Minister clarified that there are no current plans to extend the PM-KISAN scheme to tenant farmers.
