Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday announced a landmark increase in Bihar’s Social Security Pension Scheme, boosting monthly pensions from ₹400 to ₹1,100 for key vulnerable groups including senior citizens, widows, and persons with disabilities. The increase is scheduled to be implemented starting July, directly benefiting 1,09,69,255 people across the state.
Key Highlights of the Announcement:
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New Pension Amount: ₹1,100 per month (up from ₹400)
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Beneficiaries:
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Elderly citizens
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Widowed women
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Persons with disabilities
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Disbursement Date: Pensions will be credited to beneficiaries’ bank accounts by the 10th of each month
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Effective From: July 2025 onwards
Nitish Kumar's Statement:
“I am happy to inform you that under the Social Security Pension Scheme, widowed women, elderly and disabled people will now get a pension of ₹1,100 instead of ₹400 every month. This will help 1 crore 9 lakh 69 thousand 255 beneficiaries.”
Political and Social Context:
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Deputy CM Samrat Chaudhary called it a “historic day”, praising Nitish Kumar for the move and highlighting its impact on vulnerable communities.
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The announcement comes just months ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, scheduled for October–November 2025, and is widely seen as a strategic move aimed at bolstering support among economically disadvantaged voters.
Implications:
This 175% hike in pension is one of the most substantial social welfare boosts in recent years in Bihar, with a direct monthly impact on over 10 million households. The enhanced amount is expected to provide greater financial stability to those who rely on the state for social protection, especially in rural and semi-urban regions.
The decision not only reflects a shift toward welfare-focused governance but also signals the state government's election-year commitment to addressing the needs of its most marginalized citizens.
