21st PM Kisan Instalment Nears Release, Boosting Farmer Support
The Indian government is poised to release the 21st instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM Kisan) scheme on November 19, 2025. This significant disbursement will push the total transfers under the initiative past ā¹3.7 lakh crore, directly benefiting more than 11 crore farming households across the country.
The PM Kisan scheme provides eligible farming families with an annual income support of ā¹6,000. Over the years, it has evolved into a crucial Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) program, with a substantial portion of its support now reaching women farmers.
In response to severe floods and landslides in September 2025, special early disbursements of the 21st instalment were made to farmers in select states, including Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has implemented various digital upgrades to ensure smoother operations and enhanced accessibility. These include Aadhaar-based e-KYC, which can be completed via OTP, biometric verification, or facial authentication for secure access. The PM Kisan mobile app and online portal have also been updated with features like the "Know Your Status" option, providing beneficiaries with clearer information. Furthermore, Aadhaar-linked doorstep banking services through India Post Payments Bank have expanded the scheme's reach.
Digital India Pavilion Highlights E-Governance at IITF
The Digital India Pavilion, inaugurated on November 14, 2025, at the 44th India International Trade Fair (IITF), is showcasing India's transformative journey in its digital ecosystem. Union Minister of State for Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Jitin Prasada, opened the pavilion, which emphasizes the delivery of secure and inclusive digital public services.
Exhibits at the pavilion feature impactful e-governance initiatives such as DigiLocker, UMANG, myScheme, NIXI, NIELIT, Cert-In, the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), and Aadhaar. These displays demonstrate how the Digital India initiative fosters transparency, inclusivity, and digital empowerment, aligning with this year's IITF theme of "Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat." Visitors can experience live and immersive demonstrations of schemes under the Ministry of Electronics & IT, including the UMANG App, which offers access to over 210 central and state government departments, and myScheme, a one-stop platform hosting more than 4,000 government schemes.
Push for Research and Innovation with ā¹1 Lakh Crore RDI Scheme
The government continues to emphasize the importance of a robust research and development ecosystem. The Prime Minister had earlier launched the ā¹1 Lakh Crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme Fund on November 3, 2025. This scheme is designed to promote a private sector-driven R&D environment in the country.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, recently reiterated the significance of this scheme on November 12, 2025, highlighting its role in accelerating deep-tech and clean energy innovation. The scheme aims to foster collaboration between startups and industry, marking a shift towards a more collaborative and sustainable research funding model.