Who are Not Eligible for PM Kisan
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, launched by the Government of India in 2019, aims to provide financial assistance to small and marginal farmers across the country. This initiative offers a direct cash transfer of ₹6,000 annually to eligible farmers to support their agricultural activities and improve their livelihoods. While the scheme benefits millions of farmers, there are specific categories of individuals who are not eligible to receive this assistance. Understanding these exclusions is crucial for ensuring that the benefits are properly directed and that the scheme serves its intended purpose effectively.
1. Large Landowners
One of the primary eligibility criteria for the PM-KISAN scheme is that beneficiaries must be small and marginal farmers. This means that individuals with large tracts of agricultural land are excluded from receiving benefits under this scheme. Specifically, the scheme targets farmers who own up to 2 hectares of land. Those with landholdings exceeding this limit do not qualify for the assistance. This criterion is designed to ensure that the funds are allocated to those who are in greater need of financial support for their agricultural activities.
2. Institutional Landholders
Institutional landholders, such as those holding land in the name of educational institutions, charitable trusts, or government organizations, are also excluded from the PM-KISAN scheme. The scheme is intended for individual farmers rather than entities or institutions. This exclusion helps maintain the focus of the program on personal, direct support to individual agricultural workers rather than organizations that may have other sources of funding.
3. Current and Former Constitutional Office Holders
Individuals holding or having held constitutional positions such as the President, Vice President, Governors, and other high-ranking officials are not eligible for benefits under the PM-KISAN scheme. This exclusion extends to retired officials who have held such positions. The rationale behind this is to ensure that the scheme’s benefits are reserved for those who are directly engaged in farming activities and are not in a position to avail of other forms of government support.
4. Individuals in Certain Government Jobs
Farmers employed in central or state government positions, particularly those holding administrative posts or enjoying benefits like pensions or other allowances, are generally not eligible for the PM-KISAN scheme. This category includes government employees and retired personnel who receive a pension, as they are presumed to have other sources of financial support. The exclusion of government employees helps target the assistance towards those who are primarily dependent on farming for their livelihood.
5. Taxpayers in High Income Brackets
Individuals falling under the high-income tax brackets, specifically those with significant taxable income, are also excluded from the PM-KISAN scheme. This includes individuals who are paying income tax at higher rates or who have significant income from other sources besides agriculture. The intent here is to prioritize financial support for small and marginal farmers who may not have additional income sources and are more likely to rely on the scheme for their financial needs.
6. Professional and Private Sector Employees
Farmers who are engaged in professions such as doctors, engineers, or those working in the private sector, and who have a substantial income from their professions, are not eligible for the PM-KISAN benefits. The scheme is specifically designed to assist individuals whose primary income source is agriculture, and not those who have a significant income from other professional or business activities.
7. Farmers Not Engaged in Agriculture
Finally, individuals who are not actively engaged in agricultural activities or who do not actively cultivate their land are also ineligible for the scheme. The PM-KISAN scheme is targeted at those who are directly involved in farming, and thus, non-farming landowners or individuals who lease out their land without directly participating in farming are excluded.
Conclusion
The PM-KISAN scheme is designed to support small and marginal farmers by providing direct financial assistance to improve their agricultural productivity and overall well-being. However, to ensure that the benefits reach those most in need, certain groups are excluded from eligibility. Large landowners, institutional landholders, current and former constitutional office holders, high-income taxpayers, professional and private sector employees, and those not actively engaged in agriculture do not qualify for the scheme. Understanding these exclusions helps maintain the integrity of the program and ensures that the financial aid reaches its intended beneficiaries—those who need it most to sustain and improve their agricultural practices.
