Will PM Modi Unveil the 20th PM-KISAN Installment from Varanasi on August 2?

New Delhi, July 30 (NationPress) - Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to unveil the 20th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme on August 2 from Varanasi, representing a pivotal advancement in the government's direct benefit transfer initiative aimed at farmers.

The PM-KISAN initiative, a central sector program initiated in February 2019 by Prime Minister Modi, seeks to alleviate the financial pressures faced by land-holding farmers. Eligible farmers receive an annual benefit of Rs 6,000, distributed in three equal installments via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), making it one of the largest DBT schemes globally.

A preparatory meeting was convened on Wednesday in Delhi, led by Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, to finalize arrangements for the forthcoming nationwide event.

Chouhan characterized the PM-KISAN scheme as a “historic success”, underscoring its importance in bolstering farmers' incomes directly. He revealed plans for the 20th installment's distribution as part of a widespread campaign, featuring events across all states. These gatherings are anticipated to attract lakhs of farmers, alongside Chief Ministers, Union Ministers, MPs, MLAs, and other public figures.

The meeting also involved a virtual session with 731 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), over 100 Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) institutions, as well as Vice Chancellors and officials from agricultural universities nationwide to ensure coordinated efforts leading up to the Varanasi event.

Chouhan stated, “This is not merely a financial transaction; it is a mission to empower our farmers and raise awareness.” He urged for enthusiastic organization of the program, ensuring it reaches farmers at the grassroots level.

The upcoming 20th installment, totaling around Rs 20,500 crore, will provide support to approximately 9.7 crore farmers across the nation.

To maximize engagement and outreach, Minister Chouhan directed officials to collaborate with rural networks, including Krishi Sakhis, Drone Didis, Bank Sakhis, Pashu Sakhis, Insurance Sakhis, and Gram Panchayat Sarpanches, to enhance awareness of the event and mobilize local communities.

“I encourage all farmer brothers and sisters to actively participate in these programs on August 2, transforming it into a festival of gratitude and empowerment,” he added.

Present at the meeting were Union Agriculture Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi, ICAR Director General Dr Mangi Lal Jat, and other senior officials, who deliberated on logistical and promotional strategies to ensure the program's success.

Through PM-KISAN, the government allocates Rs 6,000 annually to qualifying farmers, distributed in three installments of Rs 2,000 each. Since its launch in 2019, the scheme has dispensed over Rs 3.69 lakh crore across 19 installments, directly into the bank accounts of farmers.

On February 24, Prime Minister Modi unveiled the 19th installment of the PM-KISAN scheme in Bihar's Bhagalpur. This event benefited over 9.8 crore farmers, including 2.41 crore female farmers, who collectively received direct financial assistance exceeding Rs 22,000 crore through DBT, free from intermediaries.