In an important move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the first day of his record third term, authorized the disbursement of the 17th installment of the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. This scheme aims to provide financial support of Rs 6,000 per year to small and marginal farmers through direct bank transfers. The inauguration ceremony, attended by a diverse array of domestic and international dignitaries, highlighted the strength of India's democracy and peaceful power transition, with PM Modi joining the elite league of leaders securing three successive terms. Stay updated with all the latest news on business, markets, technology, and auto on Zeebiz.com.
PM Kisan Yojana: Empowering India's Farmers
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana (PM-KISAN) is a Central Government scheme launched in 2019 to provide financial assistance to small and marginal farmers. The scheme offers an annual financial support of Rs. 6,000, payable in three equal installments of Rs. 2,000 each.
Background
India's agricultural sector is dominated by small and marginal farmers, who constitute over 85% of the total farming population. These farmers often face financial constraints, which hinder their productivity and income. To address this challenge, the PM-KISAN scheme was introduced to provide direct financial support to farmers.
Eligibility Criteria
Farmers who meet the following criteria are eligible for PM-KISAN:
Implementation
The scheme is implemented through the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The installments are directly transferred to the beneficiaries' bank accounts on a quarterly basis.
Benefits
PM-KISAN has numerous benefits for small and marginal farmers:
Top 5 FAQs
1. How do I register for PM-KISAN? Farmers can register for the scheme through the official PM-KISAN portal or by visiting their nearest agriculture office.
2. When are the installments paid? The installments are paid quarterly, in April, August, and December.
3. What is the maximum number of installments a farmer can receive? Farmers are eligible for a maximum of 12 installments per year.
4. Can farmers with more than 2 hectares of land apply for the scheme? No, only farmers with cultivable land of up to 2 hectares are eligible.
5. What documents do I need to submit for registration? Farmers must submit their Aadhaar card, bank passbook, and a self-declaration of land ownership.
Recent Developments
17th Installment Released
On October 19, 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi authorized the disbursement of the 17th installment of PM-KISAN, amounting to Rs. 20,000 crore. This installment benefited over 10 crore farmers.
Increased Installment Amount
In February 2022, the government announced an increase in the installment amount from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 4,000. This move is expected to further support farmers and boost agricultural production.
PM-KISAN Mandhan Yojana
In 2019, the government launched the PM-KISAN Mandhan Yojana, a pension scheme for small and marginal farmers. This scheme provides a monthly pension of Rs. 3,000 to eligible farmers upon reaching the age of 60.
A civil suit has been filed by Hindu Sena President Vishnu Gupta, claiming that the famous Ajmer Dargah in Rajasthan was built on top of a Shiva temple. The court has issued notices to the ASI, Union Ministry of Minority Affairs, and the Ajmer Dargah Committee to conduct a survey and reconstruct the temple at the site. The plaintiff argues that the Dargah was built on the site of old Hindu temples, and the religious rights of Hindus are being infringed.
Hindu Sena Chief Vishnu Gupta made claims that the Ajmer Sharif Dargah is actually a Shiva temple and not a Sufi shrine. The local court in Ajmer issued notices to the concerned parties after Gupta filed a petition seeking a survey of the shrine. He cited the writings of author Har Bilas Sarda, who claimed that a Hindu temple existed below the dargah, and called for a truth to be revealed through a survey. The Hindu outfit wants the dargah to be declared a Hindu temple and for permission to pray there, stirring up controversy ahead of the upcoming 813th Urs celebrations.
On November 19th, Prime Minister Narendra Modi honored the legacy of India's first woman Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, on her 107th birth anniversary. Gandhi's role in uniting India is celebrated on this day, known as National Integration Day. Her contributions to national unity and development continue to inspire leaders and citizens alike. Despite her tragic assassination, Indira Gandhi's courage, leadership, and lifelong struggle for the country's well-being endure. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and President Mallikarjun Kharge also paid tribute to their grandmother and former leader, highlighting her dedication to preserving India's unity and integrity.
Amid preparations for the crucial Delhi assembly elections in 2025, the Congress has appointed Qazi Nizamuddin as the AICC in-charge of the state, replacing Deepak Babaria. This comes after all Shiv Sena MLAs unanimously chose Eknath Shinde as the leader of the legislative party. Meanwhile, Haryana Assembly Speaker Harvinder Kalyan has formed committees of the assembly which will work till March 31, 2025, with members from various political parties. Additionally, Nepal's trade deficit has crossed Rs 460 billion in the first four months of the current fiscal year, highlighting the economic challenges faced by the country.
The Supreme Court has rejected three petitions seeking to delete the words 'secular' and 'socialist' from the Preamble of the Constitution of India. The Court stated that the power to amend the Constitution extends to the Preamble and that the words were inserted in 1976 during a national emergency. The Court also clarified that the terms 'secular' and 'socialist' do not restrict economic policies and reflect the State's commitment to equality and welfare. The petitions were filed by former BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, advocate Ashwini Upadhyay, and Balram Singh.
As India celebrates Constitution Day on November 26, President Droupadi Murmu delivered a joint address to both Houses of Parliament, marking 75 years of the adoption of India's Constitution. In her speech, she highlighted the government's efforts towards the welfare of all sections of society, especially the weaker sections. This day is observed every year as a tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constitution, on his 125th birth anniversary.
Bangladesh's chief advisor, Muhammad Yunus, has condemned the violent clashes that erupted over the arrest of a Hindu religious leader and ISKCON monk Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu. A public prosecutor was killed in the clash, prompting the government to order an investigation and increase security in Chittagong. The arrest of the monk, who is associated with a group advocating for the protection of Hindu minorities, has sparked outrage among his supporters.
On Constitution Day, both the Prime Minister and President emphasized the significance of the Constitution in shaping India's progress and development. At the PMO and Supreme Court celebrations, officials and leaders reflected on the document's role in achieving social justice and inclusivity. The release of a special coin and stamp serves as a commemoration of the Constitution's 75 years of impact.
A protest was held in Himachal Pradesh's Hamirpur district against the planned shutdown of a charitable hospital managed by Radha Soami Satsang Beas in Bhota. The hospital, which has been operating since 2000 and serves over 100,000 people, is facing closure due to unresolved land transfer issues. Despite claims by the hospital administrator that the closure notice was issued by the sect's management, the state government has yet to guarantee the hospital will continue to operate. This move has caused concern among residents who rely on the free healthcare services provided by the hospital.
"Madhya Pradesh CM Invites Investors to State's Global Investors Summit, Highlights Development Progress Made Under PM Modi's Leadership" Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav attended an event in London, where he invited investors to the state's upcoming Global Investors Summit. In his address, CM Yadav highlighted the development work undertaken in the state, crediting the leadership of PM Modi. He also spoke about the various sectors in Madhya Pradesh, such as infrastructure and healthcare, that have seen significant progress under the government. With subsidies and incentives in place, CM Yadav emphasized that the state is ready to welcome investors and create a positive impact for both Madhya Pradesh and the country.