PM Kisan Latest Update: Clearing the Air on Installments and Eligibility

An illustration featuring the PM Kisan logo with a silhouette of a farmer working in a field at sunrise, symbolizing agricultural support.

Stay informed on PM Kisan. While recent reports about a 20th installment on August 2 are unconfirmed, we clarify the scheme's cycle, eligibility, mandatory eKYC, and how to check your beneficiary status. Essential updates for all PM Kisan beneficiaries.

Introduction: Separating Fact from Speculation

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme continues to be a crucial support system for millions of farming families across India. Each installment brings anticipation, and naturally, rumors and unofficial announcements often circulate. Recently, there has been buzz regarding the release of the 20th installment on August 2. However, it is essential to rely on confirmed information from official sources to avoid confusion.

As of late July 2024, the 20th installment of the PM Kisan scheme being released on August 2, 2024, is not yet confirmed by official channels and does not align with the regular disbursement cycle of the scheme. The 17th installment was released on June 18, 2024. This post aims to clarify the scheme's installment pattern, crucial requirements like eKYC, eligibility criteria, and how beneficiaries can accurately check their status.

Understanding the PM Kisan Scheme

Launched in 2019, the PM-KISAN scheme is a central sector scheme that provides financial assistance to eligible landholding farmer families across India. The primary objective is to supplement the financial needs of farmers to procure various inputs to ensure proper crop health and appropriate yields, commensurate with the anticipated farm income. Under the scheme, an income support of ₹6,000 per year is provided to eligible farmer families, payable in three equal installments of ₹2,000 each, every four months.

PM Kisan Installment Cycle Explained

The PM Kisan scheme follows a predictable installment cycle, distributing funds in specific periods:

  • First Installment: April to July
  • Second Installment: August to November
  • Third Installment: December to March

The 17th installment, covering the April-July 2024 period, was successfully disbursed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 18, 2024. Following this cycle:

  • The 18th installment would typically fall within the August-November 2024 period.
  • The 19th installment would be expected during the December 2024-March 2025 period.
  • Therefore, the 20th installment would likely be expected in the April-July 2025 period.

Given this established pattern, an August 2, 2024 release for the 20th installment is highly unlikely. Beneficiaries should await official announcements from the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare for precise dates of upcoming installments.

Mandatory eKYC: A Continuous Requirement

For all PM Kisan beneficiaries, completing their Electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) is absolutely mandatory to continue receiving installments. Farmers who have not completed eKYC will not receive their due payments. This measure is implemented to ensure transparency and prevent fraudulent claims.

How to Complete eKYC:

  • Online through PM Kisan Portal: Visit the official PM Kisan portal (pmkisan.gov.in), go to the 'Farmers Corner' section, and click on 'eKYC'. You will need your Aadhaar number and the registered mobile number linked to Aadhaar for OTP verification.
  • Via CSC Centers: Farmers can also visit their nearest Common Service Centers (CSCs) to complete their eKYC using biometric authentication.

It is strongly advised to complete your eKYC as soon as possible if you haven't already, as it is a prerequisite for all future installment disbursements.

Who is Eligible for PM Kisan?

The scheme is designed to support small and marginal farmers. Here’s a general overview of the eligibility criteria:

Eligible Beneficiaries:

  • All landholding farmer families with cultivable land are eligible for benefits under the scheme.
  • The definition of 'family' for the scheme is a husband, wife, and minor children.

Exclusion Categories:

Certain categories of farmers are excluded from the scheme, regardless of their landholding. These include:

  • Institutional landholders.
  • Farmer families in which one or more of its members belong to the following categories:
  • Former and present holders of constitutional posts.
  • Former and present Ministers/State Ministers and former/present Members of Lok Sabha/ Rajya Sabha/ State Legislative Assemblies/State Legislative Councils, former and present Mayors of Municipal Corporations, former and present Chairpersons of District Panchayats.
  • All serving or retired officers and employees of Central/State Government Ministries/Offices/Departments and their field units Central or State Public Undertakings and Attached Offices/Autonomous Institutions under Government as well as regular employees of the Local Bodies (excluding Multi Tasking Staff /Class IV/Group D employees).
  • All superannuated/retired pensioners whose monthly pension is ₹10,000 or more (excluding Multi Tasking Staff /Class IV/Group D employees).
  • All persons who paid Income Tax in the last assessment year.
  • Professionals like Doctors, Engineers, Lawyers, Chartered Accountants, and Architects registered with professional bodies and carrying out professions by undertaking practice.

How to Check Your PM Kisan Beneficiary Status

It is crucial for beneficiaries to regularly check their status on the official portal to ensure everything is in order. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Visit the official PM Kisan website: pmkisan.gov.in.
  2. On the homepage, navigate to the 'Farmers Corner' section.
  3. Click on the 'Beneficiary Status' option.
  4. You will be prompted to enter your Registration Number or your Mobile Number. Enter the required details.
  5. Enter the CAPTCHA code shown on the screen.
  6. Click on 'Get Data' to view your status, including details of all installments received, application status, and eKYC status.

Checking your status regularly helps you identify any potential issues early on.

Facing Issues? What to Do Next

If you encounter any issues with your PM Kisan status, such as pending eKYC, payment failure, or non-receipt of installments despite eligibility, here are the steps you can take:

  • Check your eKYC status: Ensure it is complete and verified.
  • Verify Aadhaar Seeding: Make sure your Aadhaar is correctly linked to your bank account and validated on the PM Kisan portal.
  • Contact the PM Kisan Helpdesk: You can call the PM Kisan helpline numbers: 011-24300606, 155261, 1800115526.
  • Email Support: Send an email to pmkisan-ict@gov.in.
  • Visit Local Agricultural Department: For more complex issues, visiting your Block/District Agricultural Department or the concerned local authority can provide direct assistance.

Stay Updated Through Official Channels

While the PM Kisan scheme continues to provide vital support, it is paramount for beneficiaries to remain vigilant against misinformation. Always refer to the official PM Kisan portal (pmkisan.gov.in) or government press releases for confirmed news regarding installment releases or any scheme modifications. By staying informed and completing necessary formalities like eKYC, farmers can ensure they continue to benefit from this important initiative without interruption.