PM-KISAN benefits reach West Bengal farmers; 7.03 lakh farmers get 1st installment of Rs. 2,000 each

For the first time, the benefits under PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme reached farmers of West Bengal as about 7.03 lakh of them got Rs. 2,000 each under the programme launched more than two years ago. Under the scheme, also known as PM- KISAN, a financial benefit of Rs. 6,000 per year is provided to the eligible farmers, payable in three equal 4- monthly instalments of Rs. 2,000 each.

The scheme was launched in February 2019 was not implemented till now in West Bengal as the state government and the Centre had conflicts over various issues, including verified data of farmers. Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi also highlighted that under the 8th instalment disbursed on Friday, a total of Rs. 20,667 crore was transferred to more than 9.5 crore farmers across the country, including those from West Bengal. The scheme is benefiting small and marginal farmers a lot in the current difficult times of COVID-19, Mr. Modi said.

Union Agriculture Minister Mr. Narendra Singh Tomar, who was present at the virtual event, recalled that the Prime Minister had directed his ministry to take measures to bring all states under the scheme as soon as possible. "In the absence of West Bengal, we were not able to tell all states have joined the scheme. Today, West Bengal has joined the scheme and more than 7 lakh farmers will get the benefit," he added. Earlier, the central government had said the scheme could not be implemented in West Bengal as the state government had refused to provide verified data of farmers. Soon after winning the just-concluded West Bengal assembly elections, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had shot off a letter to the central government demanding release of Rs. 18,000 arrears to each eligible farmer from the state. Under the scheme, more than Rs. 1.35 lakh crore has been transferred to farmers so far.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.