What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
The recent mandate by the Centre to make farmer IDs compulsory for new applicants under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme marks a significant step towards streamlining the process and ensuring that benefits reach the rightful beneficiaries. This move, which aims to create 6 crore farmer IDs by the end of March this year, is expected to simplify the registration process and enhance the transparency of the scheme.
The PM-Kisan scheme, launched in February 2019, has been a cornerstone of the government’s efforts to support small and marginal farmers. Under this scheme, eligible farmer families receive Rs 6,000 per annum in three equal instalments through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The scheme has been instrumental in providing financial assistance to millions of farmers across the country, helping them to meet their agricultural and household needs.
However, the implementation of the scheme has not been without challenges. One of the major issues has been the identification and verification of eligible beneficiaries. The introduction of the farmer ID, an Aadhaar-like unique digital identity linked to the state’s land records, is expected to address this issue. The farmer ID will include information such as demographics, crops sown, and ownership details, making it easier to verify the eligibility of applicants and ensure that the benefits reach the intended recipients.
The decision to make farmer IDs mandatory for new applicants has been implemented in ten states, including Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. These states account for about 84% of the 11 crore PM-Kisan beneficiaries. The move is expected to significantly reduce the number of fraudulent claims and ensure that the benefits are distributed more efficiently.
While the introduction of farmer IDs is a positive step, it is essential to ensure that the process of obtaining these IDs is accessible and straightforward for all farmers. The government must provide adequate support and resources to help farmers navigate the registration process and address any challenges they may face. This includes setting up help desks, providing information through various channels, and ensuring that the process is transparent and user-friendly.
Moreover, the success of this initiative will depend on the effective integration of the farmer ID with the existing land records and other databases. The government must work closely with state authorities to ensure that the data is accurate and up-to-date. Any discrepancies or delays in updating the records could undermine the effectiveness of the scheme and create additional challenges for farmers.
