PM-Kisan, unfurled shortly before India goes to polls, reaches out to 82 per cent of the farming community. But does the small farmer really see it as the proverbial manna from heaven? BW Businessworld’s Prabodh Krishna investigates
IT IS MUCH EASIER TO PUT EXISTING RESOURCES to better use than to develop resources where they do not exist,” said celebrated investor and philanthropist George Soros once. The wisdom of the iconic founder of the Soros Fund Management and the philanthropic Open Society Foundations may have been the underlying thought behind the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, better known now as PM-Kisan, but detractors see it as a mega poll gimmick.
The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) proclaims PM Kisan Samman Nidhi (or the Prime Minister’s Farmer Salutation Fund) to be a game changer. The scheme that became effective on December 1, 2018, aims to transfer Rs 6,000 every year into the bank accounts of small farmers through the direct benefit transfer (DBT) mechanism. Only farmers with cultivable landholdings smaller than two hectares (or five acres) are eligible for the scheme. Since 9.28 crore (or roughly 82 percent) of the 13.83 crore farmers in India fall within the category PM-Kisan targets, the scheme should logically prove to be the palliative rural India needs to alleviate the distress on the farmlands.
The funds, to be released in three installments, come with practically no strings attached. PM-Kisan simply puts money in the hands of small and marginal farmers across the country, so they may not be strapped for funds for inputs for farming or the myriad activities allied with agriculture like poultry farming or rearing sheep or cattle. Even though the PM-Kisan funds come from Budgetary resources, the onus of identifying the eligible beneficiaries of the scheme rests with the state government — and thereby hangs a tale. While three states, namely Delhi, Sikkim, and West Bengal have not provided the list of beneficiaries for PM-Kisan at all, some others like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya have not verified the uploaded the data or made requests for funds.
Bu hikaye Businessworld dergisinin February 16, 2019 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Businessworld dergisinin February 16, 2019 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Gauging Trumponomics For India
Despite some shortto mediumterm headwinds in trade and immigration, the broader Indo-US vision of counterbalancing China’s influence is expected to ensure continued cooperation under Trump 2.0
Reflections on Consciousness and Creation
Indian-American DEEPAK CHOPRA on the nature of the universe, the digital fabric of existence, and the power of a conscious mind
MORE TAKE TO DRIVING IN STYLE
High-end luxury vehicles are no longer part of a niche market, but a rapidly expanding segment of automobile sales, driven by changing consumer preferences, rising disposable incomes and better infrastructure
India's Growing Affinity for Swiss Watches: A Luxury on the Rise
NDIA'S ROBUST ECONOMIC growth, projected to exceed 6 per cent in 2024 and 2025, is fostering a rising demand for aspirational products. As disposable incomes increase, particularly among the expanding middle class, luxury goods such as Swiss-made watches are gaining popularity.
An ENRiching Outlook
KPMG's latest report shows energy CEOs being optimistic about the sector's outlook. ANISH DE, Global Head, ENRC, KPMG speaks to BW Businessworld's Arjun Yadav on what's driving this confidence
Paving the Path to a Sustainable Future
Salesforce's ESG journey has made an impact beyond the company. SUNYA NORMAN, SVP of ESG Strategy and Engagement at Salesforce, shares more on how the tech giant integrates sustainability into its core operations, supporting global goals while empowering employees
LEADERSHIP TRANSITION AT XIAOMI INDIA
Xiaomi India is experiencing a leadership evolution, beginning with Muralikrishnan B's departure as President by the end of 2024. This change underscores Xiaomi's shift towards nurturing local talent amidst dynamic global shifts. The story tracks key transitions from Manu Kumar Jain's leadership to Muralikrishnan B's impactful tenure, along with recent strategic hires, highlighting Xiaomi's alignment towards market adaptability and consumer focus
WEAVING SUSTAINABILITY
Once a modest home textile manufacturer, Jindal Worldwide has evolved into a vertically integrated textile powerhouse, spanning critical segments of the yarn and fabric value chain
FORCE FOR GOOD
FY24 saw capacity expansions for Century Enka in nylon and polyester segments, along with investments in modernisation, renewable energy, and safety initiatives
REIMAGINING TOMORROW
For V-Guard, tomorrow signifies progress, driven by today's actions, setting the foundation for future growth and value creation for all stakeholders