PM-Kisan scheme: Aadhaar optional for first installment, compulsory from second onwards

The centre has made Aadhaar number of small and marginal farmers optional for availing the first installment of Rs 2,000 under the recently launched Rs 75,000 crore PM-Kisan scheme New Delhi: The centre has made Aadhaar number of small and marginal farmers optional for availing the first installment of Rs 2,000 under the recently launched Rs 75,000 crore PM-Kisan scheme, according to an official document. In the interim budget, Finance Minister Piyush Goyal announced direct income support of Rs 6,000 per year to 12 crore small and marginal farmers holding cultivable land up to 2 hectare. “For transfer of the first installment of benefit for the period December 2018-March 2019, Aadhaar number shall be collected wherever available.,” the Union Agriculture Ministry said in a letter to the state governments. “However for transfer of subsequent installments, Aadhaar number shall have to be compulsorily captured,” the Ministry said directing the state governments to ensure that there is no duplication of the eligible farmers.