The Mukhyamantri Niji Nalkup Yojana is a government scheme started by theMinor Water Resources Department of Bihar.
The primary goal is to assist farmers in accessing water for their fields by providing them with funds to drill borewells and purchase motor pumps.
This scheme is part of the “Saat Nischay-2: Har Khet Tak Sinchai Ka Pani” program. The government provides subsidies to farmers, enabling them to afford the construction of these water systems.
Small and marginal farmers get priority in this scheme. The scheme helps farmers become less dependent on rain and canals for their water needs.
Key Benefits of the Niji Nalkup Yojana
This scheme offers many benefits to farmers who need water for their crops. It makes farming easier and more reliable for those who struggle with irrigation.
1. Financial Relief
The government provides a significant subsidy that reduces the cost of drilling borewells and purchasing motor pumps. This means farmers don’t have to pay the full amount out of their own pocket.
The subsidy amount depends on the farmer’s social category. Small and marginal farmers get more help through this scheme.
2. Improved Irrigation
Having your own borewell means you have access to water whenever you need it for your crops. You don’t have to wait for rain or depend on canals that may not work properly.
This helps farmers grow healthier crops and achieve better harvests. A reliable water supply enables farmers to plan their farming operations more effectively.
3. Empowerment
This scheme empowers farmers by providing them with their own water source. They don’t have to rely on traditional water sources that often fail.
Farmers can control when and how much water they use for their fields. This gives them more confidence in their farming decisions.
4. Sustainable Agriculture
The scheme helps farmers produce more crops and address water shortage issues. It supports better farming practices and helps increase farm income.
Farmers can grow crops throughout the year with a reliable water supply. This leads to better food security and farmer welfare.
Eligibility Criteria for the Niji Nalkup Yojana
Before applying for this scheme, farmers must verify that they meet all the requirements. The government has established clear guidelines regarding who is eligible to receive benefits from this scheme.
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Land Ownership | Must own at least 0.40 acres (40 decimal) of land |
| Land Certificate | Land Holding Certificate (LPC) must be issued after 01/01/2023 |
| Existing Borewell | No existing borewell should be present at the proposed site |
| Previous Grants | No previous financial help received for the borewell at the same site |
| Location | Land should not be in “critical” or “over-exploited” blocks |
| Bank Account | Must have an Aadhaar-linked bank account for direct benefit transfer |
| Limit | Only one borewell and one motor pump per farmer |
Only farmers who meet all these conditions can apply for the scheme. The government checks all these details before approving any application.
Note: Applications from areas marked as “over-exploited” or “critical blocks” by the Central Ground Water Board will not be accepted.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for the Niji Nalkup Yojana
The application process for this scheme is done online through the official government website. Farmers need to follow simple steps to complete their application successfully.
Step 1: Visit the official website of the Minor Water Resources Department, Bihar
Step 2: Register on the portal using your mobile number and Aadhaar details
Step 3: Fill out the online application form with all required personal and land information
Step 4: Upload all necessary documents in JPEG or PNG format
Step 5: Read the declaration form carefully and submit your complete application
Documents Required for Application and Claim
Farmers need to prepare different documents for applying and later claiming the subsidy amount. Make sure all documents are clear and in the correct format before uploading.
For Application:
- Aadhaar Card
- Land Holding Certificate (LPC) issued after 01/01/2023
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Recent photograph of the applicant
- Photograph of the proposed borewell site
- Declaration form (filled and signed)
For Claiming Subsidy:
- GST vouchers for motor pump and pipes
- Photographs of the borewell site (before digging)
- Photographs during the digging process
- Photographs after completion with water flowing
- Photo of the installed motor pump
Subsidy Structure: A Detailed Breakdown
The government provides financial help through subsidies that vary based on the farmer’s social category. The subsidy covers both borewell digging and motor pump installation costs.
Borewell Subsidy
The government provides funding for each meter of borewell drilling up to a maximum depth of 70 meters. General category farmers get ₹600 per meter for digging their borewell. Backward and Extremely Backward Class farmers receive ₹840 per meter.
Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe farmers get the highest amount of ₹960 per meter. This helps cover the major cost of borewell construction.
Motor Pump Subsidy
The motor pump subsidy is calculated as a percentage of the total pump cost. General category farmers get a 50% subsidy on the motor pump cost.
Backward and Extremely Backward Class farmers receive 70% subsidy. Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe farmers get an 80% subsidy on the motor pump cost. The maximum subsidy amount can go up to ₹30,000 for a 5 HP motor pump.
Conclusion
The Niji Nalkup Yojana is a helpful government scheme for farmers who need water for their crops.
It offers financial support for borewells and motor pumps, with subsidy amounts varying by social category. SC/ST farmers get the most help.
The application process is straightforward and can be completed online through the official government website. After approval, farmers must complete the work within 60 days and upload proof photos.
The final payment is made after government officials check the completed work. This scheme helps farmers become more independent and grow better crops with a reliable water supply.
