Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra Adds Beneficiaries to PM-Kisan

For Prelims: Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan), Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Scheme, Aadhaar linkage, Saturation Drive

For Mains: Saturation Drive and its impact on the PM Kisan Beneficiaries through Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra.

Source: IE

Why in News?

Recently, the number of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme beneficiaries has declined by more than 20%, decreasing from a peak of 10.47 crore in April-July 2022 to 8.12 crore.

  • The government's proactive measures, particularly the "saturation drive" initiated under the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, have added 34 lakh farmers back to the list of beneficiaries.

What is Vikasit Bharat Sankalp Yatra?

  • About:
    • It is a nationwide campaign to raise awareness through outreach activities to achieve saturation of schemes of Govt. of India across the country covering all Gram Panchayats, Nagar Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies.
    • The campaign is being taken up by adopting a whole of government approach with active involvement of various Ministries/Departments of Government of India, State Governments, Central Govt. Organizations and Institutions.
  • Objectives:
    • Reach out to the vulnerable who are eligible under various schemes but have not availed benefit so far.
    • Dissemination of information and generating awareness about schemes.
    • Interaction with beneficiaries of government schemes through their personal stories/ experience sharing.
    • Enrolment of potential beneficiaries through details ascertained during the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra.

What is PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana (PM-Kisan)?

  • About:
    • It was launched to supplement financial needs of land holding farmers.
    • It has become operational from December, 2018.
  • Financial Benefits:
    • Financial benefit of Rs 6000/- per year in three equal installments, every four month is transferred into the bank accounts of farmers’ families across the country through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode.
  • Scope of the Scheme:
    • The scheme was initially meant for Small and Marginal Farmers (SMFs) having landholding upto 2 hectares but scope of the scheme was extended to cover all landholding farmers.
  • Funding and Implementation:
    • It is a Central Sector Scheme with 100% funding from the Government of India.
    • It is being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
  • Objectives:
    • To supplement the financial needs of the Small and Marginal Farmers in procuring various inputs to ensure proper crop health and appropriate yields, commensurate with the anticipated farm income at the end of each crop cycle.
    • To protect them from falling in the clutches of moneylenders for meeting such expenses and ensure their continuance in the farming activities.
  • PM-KISAN Mobile App:
    • It was developed and designed by the National Informatics Centre in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
  • Physical Verification Module:
    • A mandatory physical verification of 5% beneficiary every year is being done as per the provisions laid down in the scheme.

What are the Challenges of PM-Kisan?

  • Mandatory Provisions and Aadhaar Linkage:
    • The mandatory land seeding provisions and the requirement to link Aadhaar with active bank accounts have introduced complexity, leading to challenges for farmers in complying with these prerequisites.
    • Farmers, especially those in remote areas, may face technical challenges in fulfilling the Aadhaar linkage and land seeding requirements, hindering their access to PM-Kisan benefits.
  • Awareness and Outreach:
    • Many eligible farmers may still be unaware of the PM-Kisan scheme or may not have sufficient information about the application process.
    • Despite efforts, outreach initiatives may struggle to reach all segments of the farming community, particularly in remote or marginalized areas.
  • Technology Accessibility:
    • Disparities in technology access, including smartphones and internet connectivity, may hinder farmers' ability to engage with the online processes required for PM-Kisan enrollment and compliance.

Way Forward

  • Conduct a comprehensive review of mandatory land seeding provisions and Aadhaar linkage requirements for simplicity and efficiency.
  • Utilize technology to create user-friendly platforms for seamless compliance.
  • Establish community-level engagement programs to reach vulnerable farmers.
  • Collaborate with local authorities, agricultural services, and NGOs to identify and support eligible farmers unaware of PM-Kisan benefits.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Q. Consider the following statements: (2018)

  1. Aadhaar card can be used as a proof of citizenship or domicile.
  2. Once issued, Aadhaar number cannot be deactivated or omitted by the Issuing Authority.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (d)

Exp:

  • The Aadhaar platform helps service providers authenticate identity of residents electronically, in a safe and quick manner, making service delivery more cost effective and efficient. According to the GoI and UIDAI, Aadhaar is not proof of citizenship.
  • However, UIDAI has also published a set of contingencies when the Aadhaar issued by it is liable for rejection. An Aadhaar with mixed or anomalous biometric information or multiple names in a single name (like Urf or Alias) can be deactivated. Aadhaar can also get deactivated upon non-usage of the same for three consecutive years.