The Modi government Set to Double the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, Women Farmers Will Receive A Special Incentive

PM Kisan Samman Nidhi: The government led by Prime Minister Modi is considering a substantial increase in subsidies to Rs 12,000 exclusively for women farmers. In anticipation of the upcoming Lok Sabha general elections in April-May, this potential adjustment to the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi is viewed as a strategy to double the benefits for women farmers and promote unity among millions of them across the country. The existing scheme allocates a total of Rs 6,000 annually to farmers, disbursed in three installments of Rs 2,000 each.

Contemplated Increase for Women Farmers:

According to credible sources, the Modi government is contemplating raising the subsidy to Rs 12,000 specifically for women farmers. This proposed adjustment is expected to be officially disclosed in the budget scheduled for presentation on February 1. If implemented, the initiative could lead to an annual government expenditure increase of Rs 120 billion.

 

Budget Expectations:

There is anticipation of significant announcements in the interim budget by the central government. However, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has indicated that the February 1 budget will primarily serve as a vote on account, lowering the probability of extensive populist declarations. The budget presented just before the Lok Sabha elections is termed an interim budget, allowing the incoming government to decide on the comprehensive budget later due to time constraints and the impending elections.

 

Population of Farmer Families - 26 Crores:

The government asserts that enhancing the Samman Nidhi will contribute to women empowerment. However, both the Agriculture Ministry and the Finance Ministry have refrained from commenting on this matter. Presently, the nation has a total of 26 crore farmer families, with women comprising 60 percent of this population.

 

Government Assistance to Farmers:

Government reports reveal that only 13 percent of farmers in the country own agricultural land. Over the past few years, the government has been providing financial assistance to farmers, with a total of 15 installments distributed until November of the previous year. The cumulative disbursement under this scheme has reached Rs 2.81 lakh crore so far.