Question

Which one of the following is the eligibility criteria for the recently announced “PM-KISAN SAMMAN” scheme?

• A. Individual with less than one-hectare land
• B. Family as a unit with less than one-hectare land
• C. Individual with more than one-hectare land
• D. Family as a unit with more than one-hectare land

Hint:

Exam Tip: For government schemes, remember key details like the amount of support (Rs. 6,000/year), the unit of benefit (family), and the mode of transfer (direct benefit transfer). Always refer to the official government definitions.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question tests knowledge of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, a major government initiative to provide income support to farmers.

Step 2: Analyzing the PM-KISAN Scheme:
The PM-KISAN scheme provides income support of Rs. 6,000 per year to all land-holding farmers' families across the country.
The key points of eligibility are:

• The scheme defines a "family" as a unit consisting of husband, wife, and minor children.
• The scheme provides benefits to all land-holding farmers' families.
• There is no specific land-holding limit for eligibility. The scheme covers all farmers regardless of the size of their land holding. The question mentions "less than one-hectare land." In the initial phase and subsequent iterations, the scheme covered all farmers, but the question might be referencing the original framework where it was intended for small and marginal farmers.
However, the official definition clearly states that the benefit is for a "family as a unit." Therefore, the correct option aligns with the fact that the scheme considers the family as the unit, and it is intended for all farmers, irrespective of land size.
Given the options, the most accurate statement is that it is for a "family as a unit with less than one-hectare land" as it was originally designed for small and marginal farmers, though the scope has now expanded.

Step 3: Evaluating Options:

• (A) Individual with less than one-hectare land: Incorrect, as the benefit is for the family, not the individual.
• (B) Family as a unit with less than one-hectare land: This is the most accurate description as per the scheme's definition of a family unit.
• (C) Individual with more than one-hectare land: Incorrect, as the benefit is not limited to large farmers and the unit is the family.
• (D) Family as a unit with more than one-hectare land: Incorrect, as the scheme originally covered all farmers, with a focus on small and marginal.

Step 4: Final Answer:
The PM-KISAN scheme's eligibility is best described as a family as a unit with less than one-hectare land. Therefore, option (B) is correct.