•The Union government released the 17th instalment of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi (KISAN) scheme as first decision of new government
•“This will benefit 9.3 crore farmers and distribute around ₹20,000 crore,” the release said.
•PM KISAN is a Central Sector scheme with 100% funding from Government of India.
•It has become operational from December 2018.
•The scheme was first conceived and implemented by government of Telangana as the Rythu Bandhu scheme, where a certain amount is given directly to eligible farmers.
•The scheme has received accolades from various organisations for its successful implementation, including World Bank.
•Many economist suggest that this is better than farm loan waivers.