Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday released the 20th instalment of the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, transferring ₹20,500 crore directly into the bank accounts of over 9.7 crore farmers across India.
With this tranche, the total disbursement under the PM-KISAN scheme, launched in February 2019, has now crossed ₹3.90 lakh crore. The scheme provides ₹6,000 annually in three equal instalments to landholding farmers, directly into their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
During his 51st visit to Varanasi, his Lok Sabha constituency, the Prime Minister also inaugurated and laid foundation stones for multiple development initiatives worth ₹2,200 crore.
Key highlights include:
- Widening and strengthening of key roads like Varanasi–Bhadohi and Chhitauni–Shool Tankeshwar, and construction of railway overbridges at Hardattpur, Level Crossing 22C, and Khalispur Yard.
- Launch of projects under the Smart Distribution Project, including underground electrical infrastructure valued at over ₹880 crore.
- Boost to tourism and heritage, including redevelopment of eight riverfront Ghats, beautification of Kalika Dham, Rangildas Kutiya, and Durgakund, along with restoration works at Kardameshwar Mahadev Temple and Munshi Premchand’s ancestral home.
- Development of a Miyawaki Forest at Kanchanpur, rejuvenation of Shaheed Udyan and 21 parks, and establishment of City Facility Centres in key cultural zones.
The visit reaffirmed the government’s dual focus on farmer welfare and comprehensive regional development, while also underlining PM Modi’s continued engagement with Varanasi’s transformation.