PMKSN scheme being implemented in 'farcical manner' says Kisan Mahasabha

The Modi government has "exposed itself" by trying to implement the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PMKSN) scheme "in the most callous and farcical manner", the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) said on Monday. It said in a statement that the government had issued an order that the application for the first instalment must be made by February 20 this year.

"However, the order was received only on 16th February in most states and intervening period also was a Sunday. There are over 12 crore households holding 2 hectares or below and to reach this section within this period is an absurd proposition. "Clearly, the undue haste is to create false hope before the elections and try to reap electoral benefits," the statement said.

"In the process, the scheme, which already excludes vast majority of the peasantry, is also denying those who technically will fall within the ambit of the scheme. "The Rs 6,000 a year announced for farmers holding up to 2 hectares under the scheme amounts to only Rs 500 a month or about Rs 17 per day. That is also being denied by the deadline announced. "AIKS demands that the date for the same be extended and landless peasantry, as well as tenant farmers, also must be included within the ambit of the scheme."