13,858 fake beneficiaries got PM Kisan aid in Pali: Minister

THE REPORT SAID 13,720 OUT OF THE 13,858 INELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS WERE NOT EVEN RESIDENTS OF THE VILLAGES LISTED IN APPLICATIONS

- Mukesh Mathrani

BARMER: A major financial irregularity has been exposed in the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) Yojana, where 13,858 ineligible individuals fraudulently received financial assistance in Rajasthan's Pali district.

The Rajasthan government has confirmed that these individuals were registered under the scheme despite not meeting the eligibility criteria, receiving a total of 826.66 lakh through multiple installments.

The issue was brought to light in the Rajasthan assembly through a starred question by Marwar Junction MLA Kesararam Choudhary. In response, minister of cooperation (independent charge) Gautam Kumar said, "In total, 13,858 ineligible individuals fraudulently received financial assistance in Pali district. An additional district collector (ceiling) has been appointed to investigate the fraudulent fund transfers, and action will be taken against those responsible."