PM-Kisan scheme: Govt to launch physical verification as lakhs of ineligible farmers enrol as beneficiaries

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Lakhs of farmers have enrolled for the PM-Kisan scheme in violation of the eligibility guidelines, the Centre has revealed. Such applications have now been flagged as 'suspicious' as several ineligible farmers applied by falsely declaring themselves as eligible beneficiaries.

The government has come across cases wherein individuals who acquired land after February 1, 2019 have enrolled under the scheme. This has led to multiple members of the same family, including minors, receiving beneficiary simultaneously.

Terming this practice 'illegal', the Centre confirmed that such applicants have been declared ineligible. However, it added that the removal of names from the PM Kisan beneficiaries list is temporary. After thorough physical verification, those found eligible will be reinstated.

The Centre has also issued a guideline in this regard and urged farmers, who are receiving money under the PM-Kisan scheme, to check if their names are on the list. Farmers have been asked to visit the 'Know Your Status' (KYS) segment on the PM Kisan website in order to find out whether their names have been removed. Details of the same are also available through the mobile app or Kisan Mitra chatbot.

Farmers must also verify their eligibility under the 'Eligibility Status' segment.

Recently, names of over 35 lakh farmers were removed from the PM-Kisan beneficiaries list nationwide. The government has urged these farmers to review their eligibility and re-apply with necessary documents proving the same. The reapplication process can be completed either through a mobile device or at Meeseva centres.

What is PM-Kisan scheme?

The PM-Kisan scheme is a central sector scheme launched in 2019 after then Finance Minister Piyush Goyal's announcement in the Interim Budget.

Under the scheme, eligible farmers receive Rs 2,000 every four months totaling Rs 6,000 annually in three cycles — April-July, August-November, and December-March. The fund will be directly transferred to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries.