The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, a flagship initiative of the Government of India, provides direct financial support of ₹6,000 annually to eligible farmers. However, to ensure that the assistance reaches only those who genuinely need it, the government has clearly outlined several categories of farmers who are excluded from the scheme’s benefits.
Launched on December 1, 2018, PM-KISAN is a centrally funded scheme that aims to support landholding farmer families across the country. Under this scheme, ₹6,000 per year is transferred directly into the bank accounts of eligible farmers in three equal installments of ₹2,000 each. The entire funding is provided by the Central Government.
Identification of eligible beneficiaries is carried out by the respective state governments and Union Territory administrations as per the scheme’s guidelines. Once verified, the funds are deposited directly into the farmers’ bank accounts by the Central Government through a digital and transparent process.
1. Institutional Landholders – Farmers who own agricultural land in the name of institutions or organizations.
2. Former and Present Holders of Constitutional Posts – This includes former/present Presidents, Vice Presidents, Governors, Members of Parliament (Lok Sabha/Rajya Sabha), State Legislatures (MLAs/MLCs), Mayors of Municipal Corporations, and District Panchayat Chairpersons.
3. Former and Current Ministers – Both Union and State Ministers or Ministers of State are excluded.
4. Government Employees – Serving or retired officers and employees of Central/State Government ministries, departments, public sector undertakings (PSUs), autonomous bodies, and local bodies are not eligible.
⦁ Exception: Class IV/Group D/Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) are eligible.
5. High-Pension Retirees – Pensioners receiving a monthly pension of ₹10,000 or more are excluded.
⦁ Exception: Retired MTS or Group D staff are eligible.
6. Income Taxpayers – Individuals who paid income tax in the previous assessment year.
7. Professionals – Actively practicing professionals such as doctors, engineers, lawyers, chartered accountants, and architects registered with professional bodies.
Scheme Ensures Support Reaches the Right Farmers: The PM-KISAN scheme operates through a fully digital, transparent system to eliminate any scope for corruption or involvement of middlemen. By excluding higher-income and non-agricultural professionals, the government ensures that the financial assistance reaches only deserving, small, and marginal farmers who depend solely on agriculture for their livelihood.
