Pradhan Mantri Khaij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana is an All India scheme for all the tribals who have been affected by the mining operations which take place in the mining area. It was launched on 17th September 2015.

Most of the Scheduled Tribe people are inhabited in the mining areas. And they are located in the regions according to the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution. And this help to the tribals will be done through the Funds which are generated by the District Mineral Foundation(DMF’S).

Objectives Of PMKKKY

• To improve and protect the health, natural environment, and economic condition of the tribal people.
• Provide the affected Tribal people with a lot of opportunities that benefit them from the vast minerals which are extracted from their inhabited areas.
• To start welfare programs in the mining areas which are being affected. Also, these programs will go hand in hand with the existing schemes of the Central and State Governments.
• To lower down the impact of before and after mining work on the people. Also, to safeguard the environment in which the tribals are living.
• To ensure the livelihood of the affected tribals in the mining area is long term and sustainable.

Implementation of PMKKKY

• The PMKKKY scheme will be implemented by the District Mineral Foundation of the respective District. They use the funds which are collected by the miners. The mines and Mineral act 2015 made compulsory the set up of District Mineral Foundations in each and every district of the country which are affected by the operations related to mines. The central government has issued directives to the state government under section 20A of the MMDR Act, 1957, which lays the guidelines for implementation of PMKKKY and orders the States to incorporate the same in the rules framed by them for the DMFs.
• 60% of the funds will be used for high priority areas such as drinking water supply, health care, sanitation, education, skill development, women and child care, the welfare of aged and disabled people, and environment conservation.40% of the fund will be used for physical infrastructure, irrigation, energy.

District Mineral Fund And Facts

• District Mineral Foundation (DMF) is a trust set up under Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Amendment Act (MMDRA) in the year 2015 as a non-profit body in those districts affected by the mining operations.
• The District Mineral Fund under Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana has accumulated an amount of 22,859 Crores. But only Rs 5,529 Crore of the total amount has been used.
• This slow pace of the District Mineral Funds has put a fear that the funds are being diverted by the State Governments for other purposes also.

Identification And People To Be Covered Under PMKKKY

Affected Areas

1. Directly Affected Areas - Places Where Operations are related to mining. Such operations are excavation, blasting, and water disposal.
   1. An area that comes under the radius of a cluster of mines can be noted by the State Government, irrespective of whether this area falls within any concerned district.
   2. The Villages in which families have been adversely hit by the mining action and they have rehabilitated at any other place by the authorities. People from Villages who have a dependency on the mining work for meeting their economic needs.
2. Indirectly Affected Areas - Those places which are far away but are affected economically, socially, and environmentally due to the mining operations.

Affected people

The following points should include directly affected persons:

• Affected family’ as defined under Section 3 (c) of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013
• ‘Displaced family’ as defined under Section 3 (k) of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013
• Persons affected by mining should include people who have legal and occupational rights over the land being mined.
• The DMF prepares and maintains an updated list of such affected persons and the communities.

FAQs

MCQs

1. What is the primary objective of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Kalyan Yojana?

A) To provide financial assistance to farmers for building houses
B) To provide financial support and welfare benefits to farmers
C) To encourage large-scale industrialization in agriculture
D) To support international agricultural trade

2. Which of the following is a direct benefit under the PMKKY?

A) Loan waiver for farmers
B) Crop insurance coverage
C) Free education for farmers’ children
D) Tax exemption for agricultural products

3. Which group of farmers is primarily targeted by the PMKKY?

A) Large-scale farmers
B) Corporate farmers
C) Small and marginal farmers
D) Agricultural laborers

4. What role does technology play in the PMKKY?

A) Providing farmers with subsidies on equipment
B) Offering farmers access to digital platforms for market access
C) Providing free electricity for farming
D) Distributing free seeds and fertilizers

5. Which of the following is NOT a component of the PMKKY?

A) Providing financial aid for agricultural inputs
B) Promoting organic farming
C) Offering free healthcare to farmers
D) Providing crop insurance for farmers

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Evaluate the impact of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Kalyan Yojana on small and marginal farmers in India.

Answer: The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Kalyan Yojana (PMKKY) has had a significant impact on small and marginal farmers in India by providing direct financial support and assistance for agricultural inputs. This has helped improve their productivity and reduce their dependency on loans. Furthermore, the provision of crop insurance and training on sustainable farming techniques has empowered farmers to manage risks better and increase yields. The focus on improving soil health, promoting eco-friendly farming practices, and providing market access through digital platforms has also enhanced the livelihood security of these farmers, contributing to the overall agricultural development in the country.

Q2: How does the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Kalyan Yojana align with the government's broader objectives of sustainable agriculture?

Answer: The PMKKY aligns with the government's broader goals of sustainable agriculture by encouraging eco-friendly farming techniques, such as organic farming and water-efficient practices. Through training programs and financial support, the scheme promotes soil health, reduces dependency on chemical inputs, and advocates for water conservation. Additionally, the use of technology for better forecasting and efficient resource utilization aids in making farming more resilient to climate change, thus supporting the long-term sustainability of agricultural practices in India. This aligns with the government's vision to ensure agricultural productivity while protecting the environment.

Q3: Discuss the role of technology in transforming agricultural practices under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Kalyan Yojana.

Answer: Technology plays a pivotal role in transforming agricultural practices under PMKKY by providing farmers access to digital platforms for weather forecasts, crop advisories, and market prices. It helps in bridging the gap between farmers and agricultural experts, offering real-time solutions and informed decision-making. Through the use of mobile apps and online platforms, farmers can gain knowledge about advanced farming techniques, soil health, and pest control. Moreover, the integration of technology in the form of remote sensing for weather predictions and digital payment systems ensures that benefits reach farmers directly and efficiently, contributing to increased productivity and reduced risks.

Previous Year Questions on Pradhan Mantri Kisan Kalyan Yojana

1. UPSC CSE Mains 2020 (GS Paper 2):

Question: "Examine the key provisions and expected outcomes of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Kalyan Yojana."

Answer: The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Kalyan Yojana aims to provide financial assistance, crop insurance, and access to modern agricultural techniques to small and marginal farmers. By targeting financial inclusion and promoting sustainable farming practices, the scheme is expected to enhance the agricultural productivity and socio-economic status of farmers, particularly in rural areas. The provision of crop insurance and training on eco-friendly farming practices also aims to mitigate the risks posed by climate change, ensuring a more stable income for farmers.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2018 (GS Paper 1):

Question: "How do government schemes like PMKKY contribute to the improvement of India's agriculture sector?"

Answer: Government schemes like the PMKKY contribute to India's agricultural sector by providing direct financial support, improving access to modern farming tools, and ensuring farmers are protected through insurance. The emphasis on sustainable agricultural practices such as organic farming and water management leads to long-term agricultural growth. Additionally, technology adoption, through digital platforms, enhances market access and facilitates better decision-making for farmers, increasing their productivity and income.