Prime Minister Modi Set To Release Rs 18,000 Crore To Farmers Under PM-KISAN; Opposition Questions Election-Linked Timing

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to unveil the 15th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme during an event in Jharkhand on Wednesday.

The Opposition claims that this instalment's timing was intentionally postponed to align with the current Assembly elections in five states, constituting a breach of the model code of conduct.

According to a statement from the Union Agriculture Ministry on Tuesday, PM Modi will release the funds during the 'Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas' event to recognise the efforts of the tribals in the preservation of cultural heritage and promotion of Indian values of national pride, valour, and hospitality.

Over 8 crore farmers will receive an amount of more than Rs 18,000 crore -Rs 2,000 each - in the latest instalment of the Modi government's flagship scheme.

However, Opposition has questioned the timing of the release of the funds under the scheme.

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that the Prime Minister might may defend this as a regular programme but it definitely violated the spirit of the model code of conduct, The Hindu reported.

He noted that previous payments in similar periods of 2022, 2021, and 2020 were made on 17 October, 9 August, and 1 August, respectively.

"The date of release of 15th instalment was deliberately delayed to coincide with the elections,” he claimed.

In the release, the ministry added that the total amount transferred to the beneficiaries since the inception of the scheme is expected to cross well over Rs 2.80 lakh crore.

"This financial assistance will support farmers in meeting their agricultural and other incidental needs," the ministry said.