Prior to the next General Elections in April-May 2024, the Indian government intends to increase the monetary disbursements of its PM-Kisan direct benefit transfer system from the present amount of INR 6,000 to an annual total of INR 7,500. Following a statement in the Budget, the amended installment is expected to be sent prior to the Holi holiday in the fourth quarter of the 2023–2024 fiscal year.
Even though the PM-Kisan scheme’s actual spending for 2021–2022 is estimated to be INR 66,825.11 crore, its budgetary allotment could rise to INR 1,00,000 crore from the current amount of INR 60,000 crore.
The administration is thinking of ways to make this different. The original idea was to deposit the money in four installments rather than three, with the amount of each installment remaining the same. Their annual compensation would be INR 8,000. Another option is to fund the account with INR 2,500 divided into three installments. It’s uncertain which way to go at this point.
Small and marginal farmers with up to two hectares of land are eligible for benefits under the PM-Kisan plan. However, it was discovered that ineligible people had embezzled money in the Kisan scheme in several states, including Kerala. The program would help those who possess more than two hectares of land. Among the defendants in this lawsuit are businesspeople, politicians, and government employees. Under PM-KISAN, about 11–12 crore families were covered. There are now only 8 crore beneficiaries of the program. The concerned officials claim that as a result, the actual beneficiaries would now receive the set sum.
Simultaneously, a group of farmers is requesting that the funds under the PM Kisan plan be utilized to enhance infrastructure, particularly irrigation, rather than being deposited straight into their accounts. According to experts, farmers require infrastructure improvement rather than direct payment. In this manner, farming can produce more revenue than the program receives on a yearly basis. Better strategies must be developed.
Launched in February 2019, shortly before the General Election declaration, the PM-Kisan plan has been an integral part of the government’s efforts to support the agricultural community. The first disbursal was made for the December–March period of the 2018–19 fiscal year.
