Govt approves extension of PM-KISAN scheme to all farmer; clears pension for farmers, traders

The newly-sworn in NDA government at the Centre has taken four major decisions related to farmers' and traders welfare in the first meeting of the Union Cabinet.

It has approved the extension of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) to all the farmers in the country. Earlier the benefit of the scheme was applicable to farmers having two hectares of land. 

Briefing reporters after the Cabinet meeting in New Delhi last evening, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said, nearly 14 crore 50 lakh farmers will be now covered under the revised scheme. The Minister said, total burden on the exchequer will be over 87,000 crore rupees for the year 2019-20. He said, over three crore farmers have been benefited so far. Six thousand rupees per year is being given in three instalments to the farmers, under the scheme. 

In another major decision, the Centre approved the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Pension Yojana under which small and marginal farmers will get a minimum fixed pension of 3,000 rupees per month on attaining the age of 60 years. The beneficiaries should be in the age group of 18 to 40 years. Mr Tomar said, the central government will also contribute an equal amount to the pension fund. He said, the scheme aims to initially cover 5 crore farmers in the first 3 years. 

The Cabinet cleared a pension scheme for small traders. Briefing



reporters in New Delhi last evening, Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javdekar said, the scheme is meant to provide universal social security to all shopkeepers, retail traders and self-employed persons. They will be given a minimum monthly pension of 3 thousand rupees on attaining the age of 60 years. Altogether 3 crore retail traders and shopkeepers will be benefited under this scheme.

The government approved a special scheme for controlling foot and mouth diseases of animals. Mr Javdekar said,  altogether 13,343 crore rupees is to be allocated to eradicate the disease in five years.  

In a series of tweets after the Cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister said, path-breaking decisions were taken in the first cabinet meeting of the new Central government. The BJP had promised these measures in its election manifesto. He said, hardworking farmers and industrious traders, will benefit greatly due to these decisions.

He said, the decisions will enhance the dignity and empowerment of the people of the country. 

In a series of tweets, Union Home Minister Amit Shah termed the scheme as a landmark decision. He said, farmers and poor have always been a priority for the NDA government. He said as promised, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended the PM-Kisan scheme to all farmers. Mr Shah took oath as a Union Minister on Thursday.