PM-Kisan e-KYC Mandatory: 1.07 Lakh Fake Beneficiaries Identified

By Shefali Rana | BizGossips.in

For genuine farmers waiting for their PM-Kisan instalment, the message is straightforward: complete your e-KYC or risk having your payment held up.

But at the same time, a much bigger issue has emerged from Uttar Pradesh’s Pratapgarh district, where more than 1 lakh beneficiaries have reportedly been identified as ineligible.

That creates an uncomfortable question: if genuine farmers have to repeatedly verify their identity to receive government assistance, how did such a large number of ineligible beneficiaries enter the system in the first place?

e-KYC Is Now a Critical Step

Farmers covered under PM-Kisan are being reminded that annual e-KYC is mandatory for continued receipt of instalments.

A recent Bihar report specifically highlighted that an instalment could be held up if the required verification is not completed.

For eligible farmers, e-KYC may feel like another administrative requirement. But the purpose is straightforward: verify beneficiaries and reduce the possibility of government funds reaching people who do not meet the scheme's eligibility criteria.

The latest developments in Pratapgarh show why that verification has become important.

More Than 1 Lakh Beneficiaries Flagged

According to Amar Ujala, an investigation into alleged irregularities in PM-Kisan in Pratapgarh identified 1,07,802 ineligible beneficiaries during its first phase.

The report said the identified beneficiaries were from outside the district, including areas such as Prayagraj, Kaushambi, Sultanpur and Amethi.

The investigation reportedly concerns a suspected ₹315-crore irregularity. The details of the identified beneficiaries were uploaded to the agriculture department's portal, with recovery action being prepared.

A separate Jagran report published on September 23 and updated on September 24 put the number of beneficiaries whose PM-Kisan payments had been stopped at 1,07,364.

The difference between the two reported figures also shows why the verification exercise is still evolving.

Pratapgarh's Numbers Raise Bigger Questions

Pratapgarh reportedly had around 5.18 lakh PM-Kisan beneficiaries.

After the verification exercise, around four lakh farmers are expected to receive the 24th instalment, with the number potentially falling further as scrutiny continues.

That is a significant change in the beneficiary base.

The government has planned a saturation campaign beginning October 2 to verify records and identify eligible and ineligible beneficiaries.

Those found ineligible can voluntarily surrender their PM-Kisan benefits and return the money through the PM-Kisan portal, according to the reported process.

Those who remain ineligible and do not return the money could face recovery proceedings.

The Real Issue Isn't Just e-KYC

For genuine farmers, e-KYC may appear to be routine paperwork.

But the Pratapgarh case highlights a much bigger issue: beneficiary verification is also a test of how effectively a large welfare programme maintains its database.

The purpose of e-KYC is not simply to create another hurdle for farmers. It is intended to ensure that government assistance reaches eligible beneficiaries.

At the same time, the scale of the reported exclusions raises questions about how these beneficiaries were previously included and whether similar verification issues exist in other districts.

What Genuine Farmers Should Do

Farmers who are eligible for PM-Kisan should ensure that their e-KYC is completed and their beneficiary details are accurate.

They should also rely on official PM-Kisan channels for checking payment status, beneficiary status, and verification requirements rather than responding to unofficial calls or messages requesting sensitive information.

The Pratapgarh exercise could ultimately help clean up the beneficiary database.

But there is another side to the story.

The real success of e-KYC will not simply be measured by how many beneficiaries are removed. It will be measured by whether genuine farmers receive their payments on time while public money is protected from ineligible claims.

For now, the message to farmers is simple: verification matters—and the Pratapgarh numbers show why.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational and editorial purposes only. It is not legal, financial, investment, or government-benefit advice. Figures and details are based on publicly reported information and may change as verification and recovery proceedings continue. Farmers should verify their status and requirements through official PM-Kisan and government channels.