Patna: In what is being hailed as a significant moment in Bihar’s social welfare landscape, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is set to transfer more than Rs 1,227 crore directly into the bank accounts of over 1.11 crore pension beneficiaries on July 11 via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
The financial assistance, under six major social security schemes, marks a considerable leap in support, with beneficiaries set to receive Rs 1,100 each — nearly three times the previous amount of Rs 400.
Largest Number of Pensioners in Madhubani, Fewest in Sheikhpura
Madhubani district tops the list with the highest number of beneficiaries — over 5.53 lakh people will receive a cumulative Rs 61.08 crore. Patna follows closely with Rs 57.94 crore to be distributed among 5.26 lakh recipients, while East Champaran stands third with Rs 57.18 crore earmarked for over 5.17 lakh people.
On the other end of the spectrum, Sheikhpura has the fewest pensioners, with Rs 7.95 crore allocated for 71,971 recipients. Similar trends are seen in Shivhar, Arwal, and Lakhisarai, with relatively low disbursement volumes.
Break-up by Scheme
Bihar Disability Pension Scheme
Rs 106.24 crore will be shared among 9.65 lakh individuals living with disabilities. Samastipur leads here with 73,663 beneficiaries receiving Rs 8.11 crore.
Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme
Over Rs 12.16 crore is set aside for 1.10 lakh beneficiaries under this scheme. Madhubani again leads, with Rs 89.25 lakh reaching over 8,100 recipients. Jehanabad and Shivhar record the lowest figures.
Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme
The largest single-scheme disbursement, this programme will see Rs 391.29 crore transferred to over 35.57 lakh elderly citizens. Madhubani and Muzaffarpur are among the biggest beneficiaries.
Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme
Rs 69.62 crore will be distributed among 6.32 lakh widows, with the highest concentration in Madhubani (Rs 4.09 crore), followed by Muzaffarpur and Darbhanga.
Lakshmibai Social Security Pension Scheme
A total of Rs 95.25 crore will be disbursed to over 8.64 lakh beneficiaries. Patna will receive the largest share, at Rs 8.27 crore for more than 75,000 recipients.
Mukhyamantri Vridhajan Pension Yojana
The flagship state scheme for the elderly will see Rs 552.69 crore go to nearly 50 lakh beneficiaries. East Champaran (Rs 27.70 crore) and Madhubani (Rs 26.59 crore) are the top two districts in terms of allocation.
A Step Towards Social Equity
Officials say the increased pension amount reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening Bihar’s social safety net. “This is more than a transfer of funds. It’s a transfer of dignity, especially for the elderly, women, and persons with disabilities,” said a senior official from the Social Welfare Department.
