Narendra Modi's First Move: PM Kisan Nidhi's 17th Installment Released

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday executed his first official action by signing a file authorizing the release of the 17th installment of PM Kisan Nidhi, a day after he was sworn in as the Prime Minister for the third time.

The PM Kisan Nidhi scheme, set to benefit approximately 9.3 crore farmers with an allocation of around ₹20,000 crore, marks the beginning of Modi's renewed tenure. Expressing his dedication to agricultural prosperity, Prime Minister Modi said, “Ours is a government fully committed to Kisan Kalyan. It is therefore fitting that the first file signed on taking charge is related to farmer welfare. We want to keep working even more for the farmers and the agriculture sector in the times to come.”

The swearing-in ceremony, held at Rashtrapati Bhavan the previous day, saw President Murmu administering the oath of office to Prime Minister Modi and his expansive cabinet. Among the prominent figures sworn in were BJP veterans Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari, Nirmala Sitharaman, and S Jaishankar. The new Council of Ministers comprises 30 Cabinet Ministers, five Ministers of State with Independent Charge, and 36 Ministers of State. Notable additions include three former chief ministers and actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi, the BJP's first Lok Sabha MP from Kerala.

Uttar Pradesh and Bihar secured substantial representation in Modi's cabinet, with nine ministerial berths allocated to Uttar Pradesh and four to Bihar. Additionally, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan secured significant ministerial positions.

As the newly formed cabinet is reported to convene for its first meeting, anticipation mounts regarding the allocation of ministerial portfolios. The immediate agenda includes a formal request to President Murmu to summon a parliamentary session. This session will witness the President's address, outlining the government's vision and priorities for the forthcoming term.​