The Krishak Bandhu Scheme is a flagship initiative launched by the government of West Bengal to provide financial assistance and social security to the farmers of the state. Introduced in 2019 by the Department of Agriculture, the scheme aims to support the farming community through assured income and insurance coverage. This article delves into the details, objectives, components, benefits, and application process of the Krishak Bandhu Scheme.
Contents
Krishak Bandhu Scheme
- Financial Support: To provide financial assistance to farmers during the pre-production stage by offering support for purchasing agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and equipment.
- Income Protection: To offer income protection to farm families in the event of a farmer’s untimely demise, thereby ensuring social security for the family.
Components of the Krishak Bandhu Scheme
The Krishak Bandhu Scheme comprises two main components:
- Krishak Bandhu (Assured Income) Scheme: This component provides financial assistance to farmers based on the size of their landholding.
- Farmers with 1 acre or more of cultivable land receive ₹10,000 per year, distributed in two installments during the Kharif and Rabi seasons.
- Farmers with less than 1 acre of cultivable land receive a prorated amount, with a minimum of ₹4,000 per year.
- Krishak Bandhu (Death Benefit) Scheme: This component offers a one-time grant of ₹2,00,000 to the legal heirs of a deceased farmer or recorded Bhagchasi (sharecropper) aged between 18 and 60 years. This benefit is applicable in cases of any type of death, including natural causes.
Benefits of the Krishak Bandhu Scheme
The Krishak Bandhu Scheme provides several benefits to the farmers of West Bengal:
- Financial Assistance: The scheme offers an assured income to farmers, helping them manage the costs associated with farming activities and purchase necessary agricultural inputs.
- Insurance Coverage: In the event of a farmer’s death, the scheme provides a substantial financial grant to the family, ensuring their financial security and stability.
- Access to Additional Schemes: Farmers registered under the Krishak Bandhu Scheme receive priority in the state’s paddy-buying initiative and may benefit from other agricultural-focused government programs.
Eligibility Criteria and Required Documents
To be eligible for the Krishak Bandhu Scheme, farmers must meet the following criteria:
- Be aged between 18 and 60 years.
- Own or lease cultivable land in West Bengal, with proper documentation such as the Record of Right (RoR), Patta, or Forest Patta.
- Possess a valid Voter ID card, which is mandatory for availing the scheme’s benefits.
The required documents for applying to the scheme include:
- Latest RoR of cultivable land.
- Valid Voter ID card (mandatory) and Aadhaar card (optional).
- Bank passbook or a canceled cheque.
- Passport-size photograph and a valid mobile phone number.
Application Process
Farmers can apply for the Krishak Bandhu Scheme through both offline and online modes. The application process involves the following steps:
- Offline Application:
- Farmers must collect the application form from the local agricultural office.
- Fill out the form with the necessary details and attach the required documents.
- Submit the completed form to the designated office for verification and processing.
- Online Application:
- Visit the official Krishak Bandhu Scheme website and download the application form.
- Complete the form with accurate information and upload the required documents.
- Submit the application online and keep track of its status through the website.
Impact and Reach of the Scheme
Since its inception, the Krishak Bandhu Scheme has significantly impacted the lives of farmers in West Bengal. The scheme has been instrumental in providing financial stability to approximately 68 lakh farmers across the state. By doubling the financial support from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 per year, the scheme has enhanced its benefits, aligning with the promises made by the Trinamool Congress during their election campaign.
The scheme’s implementation through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) ensures that financial assistance reaches the beneficiaries directly, minimizing delays and discrepancies. This efficient delivery mechanism has further strengthened the scheme’s impact on the agricultural community.
Conclusion
The West Bengal Krishak Bandhu Scheme stands as a testament to the state’s commitment to improving the welfare of its farmers. By providing assured income and death benefits, the scheme addresses both the financial and social security needs of the farming community. As the scheme continues to evolve and expand its reach, it promises to play a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life for farmers in West Bengal, ensuring their economic well-being and resilience in the face of challenges.
WB Krishak Bandhu Scheme: Apply Here