PM Modi unveils major infrastructure, welfare roadmap in West Bengal; releases 23rd PM-KISAN instalment to 9.44 crore farmers
Hooghly, June 18
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday released the 23rd instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme to the eligible beneficiaries in Hooghly district, West Bengal.
The event was organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, with the support of the Government of West Bengal.
An amount exceeding Rs 907.21 crore was transferred to over 45.35 lakh beneficiaries in West Bengal in the 23rd instalment, taking the cumulative disbursement under the scheme in the State to over Rs 15,055 crore since the launch of the scheme in 2019.
Under this instalment, more than Rs 18,880 crore was transferred directly into the bank accounts of over 9.44 crore farmers across the country.
The Prime Minister also launched the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) / Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) in West Bengal, extending the benefits of the world's largest crop insurance scheme to the farmers of the State.
During 2026-27, the initiative aims to provide insurance coverage to nearly 1.10 crore farmers across about 30 lakh hectares of agricultural land, protecting crops with an estimated insured value of Rs 28,140 crore while supporting farmers through substantial premium subsidy. To keep the premium burden on farmers low, the central and state governments will provide premium subsidies of approximately Rs 777 crore.
On the occasion, PM Modi said, "There is now a new freshness in the air of West Bengal. A new fragrance is wafting from every particle here; it feels as if Bengal has now broken free from its shackles. As if the restoration of Bengal's pride has begun. Today's event is a witness, the launch of these projects is a testament that our Bengal has set to work building its new future."
PM Modi said it is clearly visible in Bengal how much change a "single vote can bring".
"On this occasion, I extend my heartiest congratulations to the people of Bengal and all my fellow countrymen on West Bengal Day.This year, West Bengal Day carries even greater significance, as the dreams envisioned for Bengal's bright future after independence by its great personalities are, in a way, being realized today. May this historic occasion inspire West Bengal's development and help us script a new and glorious history," he said.
He also dedicated to the nation the Sankrail-Santragachi Link Line Project in Howrah district, laid the foundation stone of a 300-bed New Divisional Railway Hospital at Howrah and also laid the foundation stone of a Road Over Bridge between Haur and Radhamohanpur in Purba Medinipur district.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The PM's comment about "single vote can bring change" is interesting. West Bengal has been left behind in many central schemes due to political rivalry. Glad to see farmers finally getting crop insurance too - my family in Bardhaman lost everything to floods last year. 😔
Over 9 crore farmers across India getting direct benefit is no small feat. But the real test is implementation quality. Many small farmers in my village still struggle to get their names in the beneficiary list. Hope the new crop insurance scheme in Bengal actually reaches the ground level.
Finally some development work in Bengal! The new railway hospital and road over bridge are much needed. Howrah station is a mess and we need better connectivity. But one event doesn't change 10 years of neglect - let's see consistent action first. Infrastructure should not be election gimmick.
Look at the photo of PM Modi in West Bengal - it's like a different energy! Finally the state that gave India so many great leaders is waking up. But I'm skeptical about the crop insurance scheme - my father in Andhra never got claims on time. Hope Bengal's implementation is better. 🙏
PM-KISAN is a lifeline for small farmers. 6,000 per year might not seem much to urban folks, but for my cousin who owns half an acre in Purba Medinipur, it means seeds and fertilizer for the upcoming season. Just wish the application process was simpler and more accessible in rural areas.
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