March 14, 2019
Welfare of farmers – Priority in Bangla
The Trinamool Congress Government has created numerous schemes for the benefit of farmers of Bangla. The five major schemes are as follows:
Krishak Bandhu Scheme: Under this scheme, 72 lakh farmers and ‘bhagchasis’ owning agricultural land will be given every year an assured grant of Rs 5,000 for 1 acre of land, and a proportionate amount for plots smaller than 1 acre, in two instalments. For the latter group, the minimum grant will be Rs 2,000, in two instalments of Rs 1,000 each. Another part of the scheme entails the payment of Rs 2 lakh as one-time assistance to the family of a farmer in case of the farmer’s death.
Bangla Fasal Bima Yojana: Due to non-cooperation of the Central Government, the Bangla Government has taken upon itself the responsibility of paying the entire premium under this crop insurance scheme, including the 20 per cent share of the Centre (except for cash crops). In the kharif marketing season (KMS) 2018, 24 lakh farmers have been brought under the scheme.
Farmers’ Old Age Pension Scheme: From FY 2018-19 the amount of pension and the beneficiaries under this scheme have been enhanced from Rs 750 to Rs.1,000 per month and from 66,000 to 1 lakh per year, respectively.
Waiving off of tax: The mutation fee payable during transfer of agricultural land has been completely waived off. The tax on agricultural land – khajna tax – has also been waived off completely.
Dhaan Din, Cheque Nin: Under this scheme, farmers get immediate payment for their crops through the handing over of cheques against the selling of crops to the government at minimum support price (MSP), issued on the same day.
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