The Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, launched the PM-Kisan Mobile App, featuring Face Authentication, as part of the central government’s renowned initiative for income support to farmers, “Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi.”
This app exemplifies the integration of modern technology with its Face Authentication Feature, enabling farmers to conveniently complete e-KYC remotely from the comfort of their homes. By simply scanning their face, farmers can fulfill the e-KYC process without the need for OTP or fingerprint verification. Moreover, this app has facilitated the e-KYC process for 100 other farmers, enabling them to complete it from their homes as well.
Recognizing the importance of mandatory e-KYC, the Government of India has extended the capability for farmers to conduct e-KYC to state government officers. This empowers each officer to complete the e-KYC process for up to 500 farmers.
Tomar emphasized that PM-Kisan is an innovative scheme implemented by the central government, ensuring direct benefits to farmers without the involvement of intermediaries. The significant number of farmers benefiting from this scheme is made possible by leveraging technology. The flawless execution of this scheme stands as a noteworthy achievement. The development of this app by the Government of India has considerably streamlined the process, while necessary facilities have been made available to the states. With prompt action from the states, the goal of reaching all beneficiaries can be achieved.
PM Kisan stands as one of the world’s largest Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes, wherein farmers receive Rs 6,000 annually, directly transferred to their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts in three installments. Over Rs 2.42 lakh crore has been disbursed to the accounts of more than 11 crore farmers, including over 3 crore women. Even during the COVID lockdown, PM Kisan Yojana proved to be a reliable partner for farmers, providing crucial financial assistance and instilling confidence during challenging times. The challenges related to Aadhaar verification and bank account details updating on the PM Kisan Portal have been effectively addressed through the use of digital public goods.
For the first time, over 8.1 crore farmers received the 13th installment of PM Kisan directly into their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts using Aadhaar Enabled Payment, setting a remarkable record. The user-friendly app is readily available for download on the Google Play Store, offering farmers access to vital information about the scheme and their PM Kisan accounts. Through the No User Status Module, farmers can track the progress of land seeding, Aadhaar linkage with bank accounts, and e-KYC.
The Department has also collaborated with India Post Payment Bank (IPPB) to facilitate the opening of Aadhaar-linked bank accounts for beneficiaries at their doorstep. Additionally, CSCs (Common Service Centers) have been directed to organize village-level e-KYC camps in partnership with States/UTs, further streamlining the process.
- PIB
