PM Modi releases Rs 20,000 cr under PM-KISAN Yojana, reiterates commitment to work for farmers, women and youth

The PM also handed out certificates to over 30,000 self-help groups trained as Krishi Sakhis, who will work as para-extension workers. (Image: PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on June 18, released Rs 20,000 crore as part of the income support scheme for over 9.26 crore farmers during the PM Kisan Samman Sammelan in Varanasi. This visit also marked his first to his Lok Sabha constituency after assuming office for the third consecutive term as the Prime Minister.

Post the release of the 17th installment, over 9.26 crore farmers received benefits totaling more than Rs 20,000 crore. Additionally, the Prime Minister handed out certificates to over 30,000 self-help groups trained as Krishi Sakhis, who will work as para-extension workers.

After taking the oath, PM Modi's first action was to authorise the release of the 17th installment of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, amounting to more than Rs 20,000 crore, directly transferred to the bank accounts of eligible farmers.

Addressing the huge crowd that had gathered at the event, the Prime Minister said, "Maa Ganga has taken me in her lap, I have become part of Varanasi".

Thanking the people of Varanasi for voting him to victory, PM Modi said, "Thanks to the love and blessings of the people of Kashi, I have had the privilege to serve as the Prime Minister of our nation. The people of Kashi have elected me as their representative for the third time.....in the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, over 64 crore people exercised their right to vote, making it the largest election in the world".

"With the blessings of Baba Vishwanath and Goddess Ganga, and the love and affection of the people of Kashi, I have become the 'Pradhan Sevak' for the third time," he also added.

He further noted, "Over 31 crore women voters participated in this election, marking the highest number globally, nearly equivalent to the entire population of America. The beauty and strength of Indian democracy, showcased by this record participation, resonate globally. I express gratitude to every voter in Varanasi for ensuring the success of the festival of democracy".

"The people of Kashi have not only elected an MP but also a Prime Minister for the third consecutive time. The mandate given by the people in this election is unprecedented, creating new historical benchmarks. It is rare in democratic countries for an elected government to return for a third consecutive term. However, the people of India have achieved this feat. The last time India witnessed such a mandate was 60 years ago, and since then, no government has accomplished a hat-trick like this," said the Prime Minister.

Highlighting the role of the agriculture industry in India's growth, PM Modi noted, "Agriculture will play a big role in making 21st century India the third largest economic power in the world". "I consider farmers, women, youth and poor strong pillars of 'Viksit Bharat", also said the Prime Minister.

Soon after, the PM took to microblogging site X, affirming the Centre's support for the farmers of the nation.

"Our government is committed to making the lives of our farmer brothers and sisters easier. It is a matter of pride to release the 17th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana from the holy land of Kashi", he wrote in Hindi on X.

अपने किसान भाई-बहनों का जीवन आसान बनाने के लिए हमारी सरकार प्रतिबद्ध है। काशी की पवित्र भूमि से प्रधानमंत्री किसान सम्मान निधि योजना की 17वीं किस्त जारी करते हुए गर्व की अनुभूति हो रही है। https://t.co/qwCDnEg4dJ

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 18, 2024

At the event, Prime Minister Modi was welcomed by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan, and deputy chief ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, among other dignitaries.

Speaking on the occasion, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated, "Becoming the Prime Minister for the third time with such a massive majority and receiving such a mandate from the people is unprecedented. On behalf of all the farmers of the country, I extend a warm welcome to PM Modi and congratulate him. Agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy, and farmers are its soul. The BJP firmly believes that farmers are like God, and serving them is akin to worshipping God. Our commitment to farmers and farming is evident in the fact that the first file PM Modi signed after assuming office was related to the Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme", reported ANI.

"Today, PM Modi will transfer Rs 20,000 crore to the bank accounts of approximately 9.25 crore farmers with a single click. To date, approximately Rs 3.24 lakh crore has been transferred to the bank accounts of farmers through various initiatives and schemes", he further added.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath also applauded the Prime Minister, saying, "PM Modi has arrived in Kashi. This marks the first instance in 62 years of independence that a politician in the country has been sworn in as Prime Minister for the third consecutive term. PM Modi has elevated India's global standing through his initiatives, and under his leadership, we are witnessing a transformative phase for India. Uttar Pradesh is progressing under his guidance and emerging as a leading economy of the nation".