Patna: In a major pre-election announcement, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has declared a significant increase in monthly pensions for senior citizens, persons with disabilities (divyangs), and widowed women under the Social Security Pension Scheme. Starting July, all eligible beneficiaries across the state will receive ₹1,100 per month, nearly triple the current amount of ₹400.
“I am happy to inform you that under the Social Security Pension Scheme, all the elderly, divyangs and widowed women will now get a pension of ₹1,100 instead of ₹400 every month,” said CM Nitish Kumar during a press briefing on Saturday.
The revised pension is set to benefit over 1.09 crore people in Bihar. The Chief Minister assured that the amount will be credited directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts by the 10th of each month, ensuring timely and transparent disbursement.
This move, seen as both a welfare push and a strategic political step, comes just months before the Bihar Assembly elections. The ruling JD(U)-BJP-led NDA alliance is expected to face a tough contest from the RJD-Congress opposition bloc.
“The elderly are a precious part of society and ensuring their dignified living is our top priority. The state government will continue to make efforts in this direction,” Nitish Kumar added, underlining the government’s focus on inclusive development.
The announcement has received a mixed response. While social groups and pension rights activists have welcomed the decision, opposition leaders have called it an “election gimmick” designed to sway vulnerable voters. However, for many households across Bihar, the increase is expected to provide a crucial lifeline amid rising costs of living.
