Modi govt to release 7th instalment under PM-KISAN scheme on Christmas Day

Amidst ongoing farmers' agitation against the farm laws, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release 7th instalment under the central government's PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, the direct cash-transfer scheme for farmers, making payments worth Rs18,000 crore to 80 million farmers and also chat with them virtually on Christmas Day, the agriculture ministry has said.

“It will be a freewheeling conversation. The Prime Minister is likely to talk about the new farm laws and how they will benefit farmers,” an official said, requesting anonymity.

Under this scheme, the economically weaker farmers receive a direct benefit transfer of Rs 2,000 in three installments every year.

The PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme was launched in February 2019. It is Central scheme with 100 per cent funding from the central government. Under the scheme, income support of 6,000 per year in three equal installments is being provided to small and marginal farmer families having combined land holding/ownership of up to 2 hectares. State Government and UT administration will identify the farmer families which are eligible for support as per scheme guidelines.

The amount is directly transferred into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries through direct benefit transfer (DBT) mode.In a financial year, PM Kisan installment is credited thrice—from April-July, from August to November and from December to March.