Bihar govt hikes Social Security Pensions by ₹700

In a significant welfare move ahead of the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced on Saturday that the state government has decided to increase pensions for senior citizens, widows, and persons with disabilities under the Social Security Pension Scheme by ₹700 per month.

Currently, beneficiaries receive ₹400 per month, but starting from July, they will be entitled to ₹1,100 per month. Making the announcement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Kumar said, “I am happy to inform you that under the Social Security Pension Scheme, all the elderly, disabled, and widowed women will now get a pension of ₹1,100 instead of ₹400 every month. All the beneficiaries will get the increased amount from July.”

He also assured that the pension amount will be transferred directly to the beneficiaries' bank accounts on the 10th of every month, ensuring timely support and transparency in disbursement.

Social Welfare Department Secretary Bandana Preyashi welcomed the decision, stating, “This will help the beneficiaries lead a dignified life, which is the top priority of the government.” The idea of dignified living is central to many social security initiatives, especially those aimed at vulnerable groups like the elderly and widows, who often face financial insecurity.

The scale of the scheme is massive, with 1.96 crore people across Bihar expected to benefit from the revised pension structure. The Chief Minister reaffirmed the state’s commitment to its senior citizens, adding, “The elderly are an important part of society, and their dignified living is our top priority. The state government will continue to make efforts in this direction.”

This decision, while primarily a social welfare measure, is also seen as politically significant, coming just months before the state elections, where voter outreach among senior citizens and women can play a crucial role.

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