The PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana has been a significant financial support scheme for farmers across India, providing them with a direct cash transfer of ₹6,000 annually, distributed in three installments of ₹2,000 each. However, recent updates from the government have made it mandatory for all beneficiaries to link their bank accounts with their Aadhaar numbers to continue receiving these payments. Without this crucial linkage, farmers risk losing their entitlement to the next installment.
This article will explain why this Aadhaar linkage is essential, how to link your bank account with Aadhaar, and what steps you should take to ensure uninterrupted benefits from the PM-Kisan Yojana.
Why is Aadhaar Linking Important?
Aadhaar linkage is a critical step in ensuring transparency and efficiency in the distribution of benefits under the PM-Kisan Yojana. By linking Aadhaar with bank accounts, the government aims to eliminate any possibility of duplication or fraud, ensuring that only genuine and eligible farmers receive the payments. This process also simplifies the verification process, making it easier for the government to track and distribute funds directly into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries.
According to the latest reports, many farmers in various states have not yet completed this mandatory step, leading to potential delays or disruptions in receiving their payments. The government has emphasized the importance of completing this linkage to continue benefiting from the scheme.
How to Link Your Bank Account with Aadhaar
If you are a beneficiary of the PM-Kisan Yojana and have not yet linked your Aadhaar with your bank account, it is crucial to complete this process as soon as possible. Here’s how you can do it:
- Visit Your Bank Branch: The most straightforward way to link your Aadhaar with your bank account is by visiting your bank’s nearest branch. Carry your Aadhaar card and passbook with you.
- Fill Out the Aadhaar Seeding Form: At the bank, request an Aadhaar seeding form. Fill out the required details, including your bank account number, Aadhaar number, and other necessary information.
- Submit the Form: Once the form is filled, submit it along with a self-attested copy of your Aadhaar card to the bank official. The bank will process your request, and the linkage will be completed within a few days.
- Online Linking: Some banks offer the facility to link Aadhaar online through internet banking or mobile apps. Log in to your bank’s online portal, navigate to the Aadhaar linking section, and follow the instructions to complete the process.
- Check Status: After submitting the form or completing the online process, you can check the status of your Aadhaar linkage through your bank’s customer service or online banking portal.
Consequences of Not Linking Aadhaar
Failure to link your bank account with Aadhaar can result in the suspension of your PM-Kisan payments. The government has made it clear that only those bank accounts linked with Aadhaar will continue to receive the ₹2,000 installments. If the linkage is not done before the next installment is due, farmers may miss out on the payment, which could cause financial strain.
Moreover, Aadhaar linkage is now a mandatory requirement for most government welfare schemes. By linking your Aadhaar, you not only secure your benefits under the PM-Kisan Yojana but also ensure eligibility for other schemes that may require Aadhaar authentication.
What Should You Do Next?
If you have not yet linked your Aadhaar with your bank account, it is crucial to take immediate action. Visit your bank branch or complete the process online to avoid any disruption in receiving your PM-Kisan installments. Additionally, keep track of any announcements from the government regarding deadlines or changes in the procedure to ensure that you remain eligible for future payments.
For those who have already linked their Aadhaar, it is advisable to double-check the status of your linkage to ensure that everything is in order. Any discrepancies or delays should be addressed promptly by contacting your bank or the PM-Kisan helpline.