The PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana is one of the most beneficial schemes launched by the Government of India for farmers. Under this scheme, eligible farmers receive ₹6,000 per year in three equal installments directly into their bank accounts. But not everyone can apply. So, who is eligible? Let’s explore the eligibility criteria for the PM Kisan Yojana in simple terms.
What is PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana?
Launched in February 2019, the PM-KISAN scheme aims to support small and marginal farmers by providing them with direct income support. The scheme is completely centrally funded and covers farmers across all states and union territories in India (except West Bengal initially, which joined later).
Key Features of PM Kisan Yojana:
- Farmers receive ₹6,000 per year in three installments of ₹2,000.
- The amount is directly transferred to their bank accounts via DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer).
- The scheme is applicable only to landholding farmers.
- It supports financial needs for seeds, fertilizers, and other farm-related expenses.
Eligibility Criteria for PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana
Not every farmer is eligible for the benefits. The government has clearly defined eligibility conditions and also listed categories who are excluded from the scheme.
✅ Who is Eligible?
- Small and Marginal Farmers:
- Farmers who own cultivable land in their name.
- Landholding should be up to 2 hectares (initially). However, now all landholding farmers are eligible regardless of land size.
- Farmer Families:
- A farmer family is defined as a husband, wife, and minor children owning cultivable land.
- Citizenship:
- The applicant must be an Indian citizen.
- Land Records:
- The name should be present in the official land ownership records of the respective State/UT.
- Proper documentation like land papers, Aadhaar card, and bank details must be available.
- Bank Account:
- The farmer must have a valid bank account linked with Aadhaar for DBT.
- Joint accounts are also acceptable if land is jointly held.
- Aadhaar Card:
- Aadhaar is mandatory for availing benefits (except in some Northeastern states temporarily).
❌ Who is Not Eligible? (Exclusion Criteria)
The following categories are not eligible under the PM-KISAN scheme, even if they own land:
- Institutional Landholders:
- Land owned by institutions, trusts, or corporate bodies.
- Income Tax Payers:
- Any farmer or their family member who paid income tax in the last assessment year.
- Professional Workers:
- Farmers who are also doctors, engineers, lawyers, architects, or chartered accountants registered with professional bodies.
- Government Employees:
- Serving or retired officers and employees of Central or State Government, PSUs, autonomous bodies (excluding multi-tasking staff or Group D employees).
- Pensioners:
- Retired individuals receiving a monthly pension of ₹10,000 or more (except MTS and Group D).
- Constitutional Post Holders:
- Former or current Ministers, MPs, MLAs, Chairpersons of Municipalities or Zila Panchayats, etc.
Documents Required to Apply for PM Kisan Yojana
To apply for PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, you need the following documents:
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar Card | Identity proof and Aadhaar linking |
| Land ownership documents | Proof of landholding |
| Bank Passbook | For account verification and DBT |
| Mobile Number | For OTP and communication |
| Income declaration (if asked) | For exclusion verification (if required) |
How to Apply for PM Kisan Yojana?
You can apply online or offline:
Online Mode:
- Visit pmkisan.gov.in
- Click on “New Farmer Registration”
- Enter Aadhaar, mobile number, and land details
- Submit the application and note the reference ID
Offline Mode:
- Visit your nearest CSC (Common Service Center) or agriculture office
- Submit the filled form with documents
- Officer will verify and process your application
How to Check PM Kisan Beneficiary Status?
- Go to pmkisan.gov.in
- Click on “Beneficiary Status”
- Enter Aadhaar or account number to check your installment details
Conclusion
The PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana is a life-changing scheme for farmers in India. However, to enjoy its benefits, it’s essential to understand and meet the eligibility criteria. By ensuring you have the correct documents and match the guidelines, you can easily register and start receiving financial support from the government.
If you’re eligible, don’t miss out—apply today and benefit from the government’s effort to support India’s farming community!