The Government has sanctioned approval to the amendment made to the `Kisan abhiman' scheme introduced for enhancing agricultural production and ensuring welfare of farmers. Under the scheme, farmers who have completed 10 years in agricultural activities and having agriculture as their main source of livelihood could become members of the scheme. Earlier, the membership was limitted only to paddy farmers. But as per the amendment, other farmers also would be enrolled as members in the later stages. Though the approval to the amendment was granted by the middle of March, the order was not issued following the operation of the electoral model code of conduct. The Government had allocated Rs 1 crore in the 2008-09 budget for the implementation of the scheme. Sanction was also accorded for opening a temporary saving Bank account to deposit contributions for the scheme. For the effective implementation of the scheme, a sum of Rs 5 crore was made available from the budgetary provision of the Agriculture Department for the first 12 months. Under the scheme, farmers who have completed 60 years of age and not having more than one hectare of land will get a monthly pension of Rs 300.A member is eligible to get Rs 25,000 as marriage assistance for the marriage of one daughter. In the first phase, the assistance will be available for only 250 farmers. There is provision to give family pension in the event of the death of the members.
The New Indian Express, 23rd April 2009
No comments:
Post a Comment