Application of RTI to expose the irregularities in the Prime Minister Kisan Samman Nidhi is the focus of the issue, highlighting the crucial role that transparency plays in governance.
By utilizing the Right to Information act, concerned citizens and activists aim to shed light on potential mismanagement of funds and discrepancies in the distribution process.
This initiative not only seeks to uphold accountability within the program but also empowers farmers who are the intended beneficiaries of such schemes, ensuring they receive the support they need for their livelihoods.
The examination of these irregularities could result in significant reforms, thereby strengthening trust between the government and the farming community.

Challenging the Framework: Farmer Uses RTI to Question “Arbitrary” PM Kisan Rejection in Mirzapur

A citizen has compellingly used the Right to Information (RTI) Act to demand transparency in governmental processes. An application was meticulously filed with the District Magistrate’s office in Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, highlighting the importance of accountability in public service. The RTI, submitted by concerned citizen Yogi M. P. Singh, specifically questions why a farmer’s application for the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM Kisan) scheme was unjustly rejected without proper justification. The application alleges that the decision-making process was arbitrary and lacked clarity, which is crucial for the trust of citizens in such initiatives. Furthermore, it raises serious concerns about how the process, instead of supporting farmers, appears to be designed in a way that fosters corruption and bureaucratic inefficiencies that can undermine the very purpose of the scheme meant to aid the agricultural community.

The Core Grievance: An Application Denied

The central issue is the rejection of a PM Kisan application. This application is part of a central government scheme that provides income support to farmer families. According to the RTI filing, the rejection was based on three objections. These objections raised by the staff of the Department of Revenue. The applicant argues these objections are redundant and illogical in the age of digital governance.

The applicant contends that these objections create unnecessary hurdles for farmers, making it increasingly difficult for them to sustain their livelihoods and grow their operations. They force farmers to navigate a corrupt system to get their rightful benefits, which not only undermines their trust in the system but also adds layers of bureaucracy that delay essential support. Moreover, these challenges can lead to financial instability, making it harder for farmers to invest in their farms, adapt to changing market conditions, and ultimately contribute to the local economy.

A Breakdown of the “Arbitrary” Objections

The RTI systematically dismantles each objection raised by the authorities. It highlights a disconnect between the department’s demands and the established online verification processes.

1. Demand for Aadhaar Card Upload: The first objection was the failure to upload an Aadhaar card. The applicant points out that the PM Kisan application process itself is a Aadhaar-authentication. An OTP (One-Time Password) sent to the mobile number linked with the farmer’s Aadhaar. This process verifies their identity in real-time. Thus, demanding a separate upload of the same document is a superfluous step.
2. Demand for Bank Passbook: The second objection concerned the bank passbook. The applicant argues that the government requires beneficiaries to open an India Post Payment Bank (IPPB) account. This account, intrinsically linked with their Aadhaar number. Since the financial transactions, managed through this Aadhaar-linked system, the necessity of uploading a physical passbook copy is questionable.
3. Demand for “Certified” Revenue Records: The third objection called for a certified copy of the revenue records (Khatauni). The applicant states that the farmer’s land records already uploaded to the portal. It is the duty of the concerned Lekhpal (a local revenue official) to verify these records. Demanding a pre-certified copy, the applicant suggests, is an arbitrary obligation that ignores the department’s own verification duties.

Seeking Accountability Through Information

Frustrated by what is described as “rampant corruption in the working of the public authority,” the RTI application takes decisive action to expose these deep-rooted issues that plague the system. It seeks to hold the officials accountable by asking pointed questions that demand clear and transparent answers. This initiative not only aims to shine a light on the questionable practices but also empowers citizens to question the integrity of those in power. The information requested stands as a direct challenge to the opacity of the rejection process, pushing for an examination of the criteria and reasons behind denied requests, thereby promoting a culture of accountability and openness within the authority. In doing so, this application serves as a crucial tool for advocacy, encouraging a more engaged and informed public that is willing to confront injustices.

The five key pieces of information sought are:

1. Identity of the Official: The name, designation, and posting details of the specific staff member who cancelled the farmer’s application.
2. Legal Backing: A copy of any government order, circular, or memorandum is required. This document makes it mandatory to upload certified revenue records for a PM Kisan application.
3. Verification Process: This section provides details on the steps Tehsil Sadar took. They verified the revenue records that were initially uploaded by the applicant, Keshav Pratap Singh.
4. Officials in Charge: The names, designations, and joining dates of all staff at Tehsil Sadar, Mirzapur. These individuals are responsible for processing online PM Kisan applications.
5. Local Guidelines: Copies of any guidelines issued by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (Sadar). Copies issued by the District Magistrate of Mirzapur about the processing of PM Kisan applications.

RTI Filing Details at a Glance

• Registration Number: DMOMR/R/2025/60003
• Date of Filing: January 6, 2025
• Public Authority: District Magistrate Office, Mirzapur
• Concerned PIO: Hemant Kumar, Tehsildar, Sadar

What This Means for Governance

This case serves as a powerful reminder of the role the RTI Act plays in empowering citizens. It scrutinizes the gap between the stated aims of digital governance—efficiency and transparency—and the on-ground reality of bureaucratic hurdles. The response from the Public Information Officer is mandated within 30 days. It will be critical in determining whether the rejection was based on established rules. Alternatively, it will show if it was due to administrative whims. For farmers in Mirzapur and beyond, the outcome could set a precedent. It could impact how such essential welfare applications are handled in the future.

Status Verified By Sub- District/ Block and Pending for Approval at District Level

P.M. Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme has been victim of mismanagement