19th PM-Kisan tranche ensures relief for 97mn

PM Kisan, the Union government's cash-transfer scheme for farmers, has completed six years and 19 installments so far, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi released on Monday the latest tranche in Bihar's Bhagalpur.

- Zia Haq

NEW DELHI:

The government's data show nearly 100 million farmers have received over ₹3.5 lakh crore since the scheme's launch.

"Today I have the privilege of releasing the 19th installment of PM-KISAN. I am very satisfied that this scheme is proving to be very useful for our small farmers across the country," PM Modi said, while releasing the latest tranche.

In India, the so-called direct-benefits-transfer model ensures cash is deposited straight into beneficiaries' accounts through electronic transfer.

In the latest payout, over 97 million farmers received direct financial benefits amounting to more than ₹21,500 crore, Modi said.

Under PM-KISAN, the government provides income support of ₹6,000 a year to farmers with a valid enrolment, paid in three equal cash transfers of ₹2,000—one every four months. It was launched on 24 February, 2019, when the first installment was paid.

Identification of beneficiaries under the programme is the responsibility of state governments as per the scheme's guidelines.