PM-Kisan, government’s relief measure for farmers involves the transfer of direct cash to support the sustenance of farmers. The recent Coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak has led to a lockdown of 21 days. That might be the optimal way to isolate the pandemic but this lockdown severely affects the agricultural sector.
Lockdown Creating Significant Problems for the Farming Community
Addressing the lockdown, farmers are in no stage to sell their crops in time. Also, many mandis are shut abiding the rules of lockdown. Consequently, surviving through the pandemic lockdown is a major hassle for majority of farmers who solely depend on crop sales for their livelihood. Further, it is difficult to attain the agricultural inputs necessary for cultivation. If the struggle for survival continues beyond the lockdown period this small relief of Rs 2000 under PM-Kisan may play a key role. With Rabi crop harvest just a week away, labour shortage and lack of available inputs due to lockdown may add to more problems for farmers in India.
Addressing the Hitches
Without the primary income, the farmer’s survival in the pandemic is doubtful. Addressing the situation, the Modi Government announced to release the first installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme (PM-KISAN) early this year. Accordingly, the farmers are to receive Rs 2000 within the first week of April.
PM-KISAN Scheme
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme (PM-KISAN) provides Rs 6000 on yearly basis. Subsequently in over 3 installments annually. Meanwhile, it aims to cover the agricultural inputs of farmers. Further, this scheme helps them procure pulses and various agricultural needs. Thus, help them sustain and feed the 1.3 billion population throughout the year. The government so far has distributed around Rs 54,000 crore under PM-Kisan. Thereby, benefiting over 87.1 million farmers starting from December 2019.
Allocation of Rs 2000 Under PM-Kisan
To support and relieve farmers during the lockdown this decision was put forth. Consequently, the Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, announced the issue of Rs 2000 to farmers eligible and beneficiaries of PM-KISAN scheme. Nonetheless, these relief measures are to take action within 36 hours. Following which the government sanctioned a sum of Rs 15000 crore to benefit 8.69 crore farmers by April first week.
Additionally, officials started the groundwork by preparing lists of farmers that must receive the first installment. Also, simultaneously, they have sent these lists to their respective states for validation. Following that, the state representatives confirm the authenticate by linking the beneficiaries to their respective aadhar cards. Subsequently, the transfer of money shall take place when the installment is due under PM-Kisan.
Assessing and addressing the situation
The government after analyzing the financial pressure of cultivators, initiates several measures. One such is the Rs 2000 transfer. Further, this relief fund will be credited directly into respective farmer’s bank accounts. Emphasizing that, there will be no delay in the implementation and thus, will relieve the fund during the lockdown period. Also, this installment helps to procure inputs for planting summer pulses.
In conclusion, the government is also implementing several relief measures to aid women, poor, and backward classes.