The number of beneficiaries under the PM-KISAN scheme in Assam saw a steep decline across successive instalments, Parliament was informed during the Question Hour in the Lok Sabha on Monday.
Official figures presented by the Union Ministry of Agriculture showed that the first instalment of the scheme in Assam reached 11,55,516 beneficiaries with a disbursement of ₹231.10 crore. By the twelfth instalment, the number had dropped to 4,89,144 beneficiaries, while the disbursed amount fell to ₹120.60 crore.
The data revealed that Assam’s beneficiary list had nearly halved over 12 instalments, prompting concerns over verification procedures, deletion of names, and the impact on farmers reliant on the financial assistance. Congress MPs from Assam asked why the number had reduced so drastically and what measures were being taken to address discrepancies and delays.
The Ministry stated that mandatory Aadhaar verification, land-seeding and e-KYC requirements were introduced to prevent payments to ineligible individuals. It added that names removed due to mismatches or failed verification could be reinstated once farmers updated their records.
The issue emerged as a significant point from Assam in the day’s proceedings, with calls for streamlined enrolment, quicker corrections and assurance for farmers waiting for benefits.
