I don’t write about myself. Not in public, and rarely, if ever, in private. The proposed amendment to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, presented by Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Virendra Kumar in Lok Sabha on March 13 forces my hand, and yet
For decades, “cool" in popular culture followed a predictable formula. It was exclusive, carefully controlled, and often built around mystique. Stars appeared rarely, spoke sparingly, and maintained distance from the audiences who admired them
SW Railway tests postponed amid language protestsSouth Western Railway postponed promotion exams in Karnataka due to protests over lack of Kannada language option, causing employee uncertainty. Published on: Mar 18, 2026 7:34 AM IST By Arun Dev
Apple CEO Tim Cook has dismissed speculation about stepping down, calling such reports “a rumour" and reaffirming his long-term commitment to the company. In a television interview with Michael Strahan on ABC News, Cook made it clear he has no plans to slow down. “No, I didn’t say that
Noel Tata seeks truncated term for Tata Sons Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran as part of succession revampTata Trusts Chairman Noel Tata wants to dilute powers of the Tata Sons chairman by including a CEO & MD and a Deputy CEO, and a non-executive chairman. Updated on: Mar 18
PM-Kisan beneficiaries see 51% dip in Punjab: Centre in Lok Sabha
PM-Kisan beneficiaries see 51% dip in Punjab: Centre in Lok Sabha
PM-Kisan beneficiaries see 51% dip in Punjab: Centre in Lok Sabha
Punjab's PM-Kisan beneficiaries fell 51% from 2019 to 2025, due to new eligibility requirements, with many farmers failing to meet mandatory conditions.
Published on: Mar 18, 2026 7:50 AM IST By Karam Prakash, Patiala Share via Copy link The number of beneficiaries under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi has declined by 51% in Punjab over the past six years, the Centre told Lok Sabha on Tuesday. Under the PM-Kisan scheme, financial assistance of ₹6,000 per year is provided to eligible farmers in three equal instalments of ₹2,000 each. (HT File) From 23.01 lakh beneficiaries in 2019, when the scheme started, the number dropped to 11.34 lakh in 2025, reflecting a decrease of nearly 11.67 lakh farmers, Union minister of state for agriculture and farmers’ welfare, Bhagirath Choudhary, said in a written reply to a question raised by MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal. Under the PM-Kisan scheme, financial assistance of ₹6,000 per year is provided to eligible farmers in three equal instalments of ₹2,000 each. The amount is directly transferred to Aadhaar-seeded bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. Responding to the queries regarding the decline in the number of beneficiaries and reasons, the minister said that several mandatory requirements had been introduced to ensure that benefits reach only eligible farmers. “It is the responsibility of the state governments to ensure the completion of these mandatory requirements for all eligible beneficiaries. Benefits under the scheme are provided based on data uploaded by states/UTs on the PM-Kisan portal. In Punjab, 23.01 lakh farmers received the fourth instalment (December 2019–March 2020), while 11.34 lakh farmers received the 20th instalment (April–July 2025), as per the number of beneficiaries verified and approved by the state prior to the release of instalments,” the minister said. Over the years, the centre made land seeding compulsory from the 12th instalment period (August–November 2022) to verify land ownership through state records. Aadhaar-based payment became mandatory from the 13th instalment period (December 2022–March 2023) to ensure direct transfer to beneficiaries’ bank accounts. Also, e-KYC was made compulsory from the 15th instalment period (August–November 2023) to verify the identity and active status of beneficiaries. The minister further said that around 1.46 lakh farmers were yet to complete land seeding, while 1.34 lakh had not completed e-KYC. Additionally, 46,106 farmers had not linked their Aadhaar with their bank accounts. Punjab agriculture department director GS Brar denied any delay on the part of the state. “There has been no delay in updating the mandatory requirements under the PM-Kisan scheme. We have been organising camps at the village level to facilitate data uploading. Recently, we have also allowed Common Service Centres to upload farmers’ data. Farmers can also visit their nearest cooperative societies to complete their e-KYC,” he said. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Karam Prakash Karam Prakash is a Patiala-based senior correspondent covering several districts of Malwa region of Punjab. He writes on various domains, including health, agriculture, power and education. Direct Benefit Transfer News / Cities / Chandigarh News / PM-Kisan Beneficiaries See 51% Dip In Punjab: Centre In Lok Sabha See Less News / Cities / Chandigarh News / PM-Kisan Beneficiaries See 51% Dip In Punjab: Centre In Lok SabhaThe number of beneficiaries under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi has declined by 51% in Punjab over the past six years, the Centre told Lok Sabha on Tuesday.
From 23.01 lakh beneficiaries in 2019, when the scheme started, the number dropped to 11.34 lakh in 2025, reflecting a decrease of nearly 11.67 lakh farmers, Union minister of state for agriculture and farmers’ welfare, Bhagirath Choudhary, said in a written reply to a question raised by MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal.
Under the PM-Kisan scheme, financial assistance of ₹6,000 per year is provided to eligible farmers in three equal instalments of ₹2,000 each. The amount is directly transferred to Aadhaar-seeded bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
Responding to the queries regarding the decline in the number of beneficiaries and reasons, the minister said that several mandatory requirements had been introduced to ensure that benefits reach only eligible farmers.
“It is the responsibility of the state governments to ensure the completion of these mandatory requirements for all eligible beneficiaries. Benefits under the scheme are provided based on data uploaded by states/UTs on the PM-Kisan portal. In Punjab, 23.01 lakh farmers received the fourth instalment (December 2019–March 2020), while 11.34 lakh farmers received the 20th instalment (April–July 2025), as per the number of beneficiaries verified and approved by the state prior to the release of instalments,” the minister said.
Over the years, the centre made land seeding compulsory from the 12th instalment period (August–November 2022) to verify land ownership through state records. Aadhaar-based payment became mandatory from the 13th instalment period (December 2022–March 2023) to ensure direct transfer to beneficiaries’ bank accounts. Also, e-KYC was made compulsory from the 15th instalment period (August–November 2023) to verify the identity and active status of beneficiaries.
The minister further said that around 1.46 lakh farmers were yet to complete land seeding, while 1.34 lakh had not completed e-KYC. Additionally, 46,106 farmers had not linked their Aadhaar with their bank accounts.
Punjab agriculture department director GS Brar denied any delay on the part of the state. “There has been no delay in updating the mandatory requirements under the PM-Kisan scheme. We have been organising camps at the village level to facilitate data uploading. Recently, we have also allowed Common Service Centres to upload farmers’ data. Farmers can also visit their nearest cooperative societies to complete their e-KYC,” he said.
Source: HindustanTimes
Related Posts: Nearly 40 lakh beneficiaries to get Rs 9 Youth Biggest Beneficiaries Of Improved Situation In Bihar Elon Musk, Satya Nadella, Sundar Pichai, other H-1B beneficiaries silent on new rules Govt to seek feedback of 20 lakh PDS beneficiaries per month via AI platform CGHS beneficiaries’ Paripoorna Mediclaim Ayush Bima terms explained Government to declare Round 2 beneficiaries of Rs 1 Rs 2,000 pension deposited for beneficiaries under Tamil Nadu's KMUT scheme ahead of polls 40 lakh Orunodoi beneficiaries in Assam to receive Rs 9 PM Kisan Beneficiary List PM Kisan 22nd Instalment
Morocco have been declared the winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after the Confederation of African Football (Caf) overturned the result of the final following Senegal's controversial walk-off. Senegal beat Morocco 1-0 in the final on 18 January in a match which was overshadowed when the
Just now
Lawrence Bishnoi interviews: Punjab wants closure of PIL proceedingsThe Punjab government on Tuesday sought closure of suo motu proceedings initiated by the high court in 2023, following the interviews of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi that were aired by a private channel Published on: Mar 18
Just now
The Lok Sabha has ended the suspension of eight Opposition MPs. This follows an apology from Opposition parties for their protests. The House unanimously adopted a motion to revoke the suspensions. Both ruling and Opposition members pledged to uphold Parliament's dignity
Just now
Rajasthan faces a significant employment challenge. Over 22 lakh unemployed youth are registered with state employment offices. Shockingly, no government jobs were filled through these offices in the last five years. This data highlights a critical gap in the job placement system for the state's
Just now
The release of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate list for the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections has once again confirmed a long-standing political thesis: Mamata Banerjee views stardom as the ultimate equaliser. In a high-stakes battle against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
Just now
In a bold diplomatic stand, European leaders push back against President Trump's request for military support in the escalating Iran situation. They emphasize their commitment to NATO’s defensive principles and express concerns over the lack of prior discussions.In a bold diplomatic stand
Just now
Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar: The Revenge has generated significant buzz ahead of its release, building on the success of the first film. While waiting for the sequel to drop, fans have speculated what will happen in Dhurandhar 2. Amid the chatter, the film’s censor certificate has gone viral
Just now
Bollywood bets on Dhurandhar 2 to script a box office redemptionGiven the buzz around the sequel, Jio Studios have also re-released the original film in 1,200 screens across India. Mar 18, 2026, 06:35:03 IST By Meena Iyer Share via Copy link Mumbai : The poster for the second instalment of
Just now
A senior United States intelligence official resigned from his post on Tuesday, citing misgivings about the war with Iran launched by the US and Israel. Joseph Kent, the director of national intelligence in the US’ National Counterterrorism Center
Just now
Mamata Banerjee has made a significant announcement regarding Trinamool Congress’s candidates for the upcoming 2026 assembly polls in West Bengal, nominating representatives for all 291 seats. With a significant shake-up, 75 sitting members have been replaced
Just now
Oh well, it seems FIFA’s much-talked-about “neutral stance" on geopolitics is being put to the test. Despite rising tensions in the Middle East, FIFA has made it clear: there will be no changes to the 2026 World Cup schedule. The update comes after Iran’s football federation explored the
Just now
The Trump administration has defended the Pentagon's decision to blacklist AI company Anthropic. This move followed Anthropic's refusal to remove safety guardrails. The administration argues the action is lawful and related to contract negotiations and national security
Just now
Pep Guardiola says 'everybody wants to fire me' after Manchester City's Champions League loss to Real Madrid Published on: Mar 18, 2026 6:28 AM IST AP Share via Copy link Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola (Action Images via Reuters) Pep Guardiola's position is the subject of much debate after
Just now
Ranveer Singh says Dhurandhar 2 will change the future of Indian cinemaFor the first time, Ranveer Singh opened up about the overwhelming response to Dhurandhar, expressing gratitude to the audience for embracing the film. Mar 18, 2026, 07:46:51 IST By Sugandha Rawal Share via Copy link Bringing
Just now
Bengaluru founder says health declined after moving to Koramangala. What helped himBharatAgri CEO Siddharth Dialani has revealed that he experienced a “visible decline” in his ability to focus after moving to Koramangala in Bangalore Updated on: Mar 18
Just now
As excitement builds around Dhurandhar: The Revenge, the film is already making headlines… but not just for its action-packed trailer. Actor Vivek Sinha, who plays a terrorist in the film, has spoken out after facing backlash and threats from viewers who reacted strongly to his on-screen dialogue
Just now
Formula 1 is thrilling on track but often confusing off it — a maze of regulations, strategy and engineering that can leave fans playing catch-up. Rookie Road aims to bridge that gap, connecting with newer followers and exploring this fast, furious and occasionally frustrating sport
Just now
Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk on Tuesday called for a “win-win” dialogue with the Centre after his detention under the National Security Act was revoked. He said that the Centre has extended its hand to build trust for meaningful dialogue with the residents of the Union Territory
Just now
US actress Zendaya has given an amused and bemused reaction to the widely shared photos that appear to show her wedding to fellow actor Tom Holland. Dozens of the AI-generated photos have been posted online and "many people have been fooled by them
Just now
The US Navy’s USS Tripoli, a massive amphibious assault vessel, was tracked off Singapore, possibly carrying thousands of Marines and sailors to West Asia amid the raging conflict in the region. This comes after a mobilisation order from the Pentagon for the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU)
Just now
India could soon get a lot thinner - at least in theory. On Friday the patent on semaglutide - the molecule behind Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk's blockbuster weight-loss drugs Wegovy and Ozempic - expires in the country. This will allow domestic pharmaceutical companies to release cheaper copies
Just now
New Moon meets Navratri: Why March 18–19 is the most powerful manifestation portal of 2026New Moon in Pisces 2026: Step into a powerful 48-hour window of new beginnings and learn how to cut cords from the painful past and manifest what you want. Updated on: Mar 17
Just now
More than a decade after it aired, the Red Wedding from Game of Thrones still stands as one of television’s most shocking and heartbreaking moments. But now, a viral AI edit circulating on Instagram is rewriting that trauma and fans have a lot to say about it.More than a decade after it aired
Just now
World Anti-Doping Agency may ban US officials from major sports events. This action follows the US refusal to pay annual dues. The US owes 7.3 million dollars. This dispute involves WADA's handling of doping cases. The proposed ban could affect future events like the LA Olympics
Just now
Love Horoscope Today for March 18, 2026: Open-minded discussions may bring refreshing perspectivesDaily Love Horoscope March 18, 2026: Find daily astrological predictions for all sun signs. Updated on: Mar 18, 2026 6:03 AM IST By Neeraj Dhankher Share via Copy link Aries: The planet Mars is pushing
Just now
In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court affirmed that shareholder approval does not grant companies immunity from violations of securities law. Terrascope Ventures faced repercussions for diverting funds, notwithstanding investor agreement
Just now
‘Gurgaon ke entitled parents’: Mom slams irresponsible parenting in viral videoA mother claimed in a viral video that there was a lack of supervision in the playground in a Gurgaon society after a dispute with another parent. Published on: Mar 18
Just now
