Patna: More than 95.82 lakh beneficiaries of Bihar’s social security pension schemes have completed their life certification process, covering nearly 80 per cent of all pension holders in the state, according to the Social Welfare Department.
State Social Welfare Minister Shweta Gupta on Sunday urged the remaining beneficiaries to complete the verification process at the earliest to avoid any disruption in receiving their monthly pension benefits.
The minister said beneficiaries can complete life certification free of cost at their nearest panchayat-level camp or Common Service Centre (CSC). The verification is necessary to ensure that pension payments continue to be transferred directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts without interruption.
“The department is committed to ensuring that welfare benefits reach eligible beneficiaries transparently and on time,” Gupta said.
Elderly Citizens Yet to Receive Pension Asked to Apply
The Social Welfare Department has also appealed to all residents aged 60 years and above who are not currently receiving benefits under any pension scheme to submit their applications without delay.
Officials said the department is closely monitoring implementation at both block and panchayat levels to ensure that pension benefits reach the intended beneficiaries directly and efficiently.
Madhubani Tops Bihar in Life Certification
Official figures show that Madhubani district has recorded the highest number of completed life certifications in the state, with 4.78 lakh beneficiaries completing the process.
Other districts reporting high participation include:
- East Champaran: 4.47 lakh beneficiaries
- Patna: 4.43 lakh beneficiaries
- Muzaffarpur: 4.24 lakh beneficiaries
- Samastipur: 4.10 lakh beneficiaries
- Darbhanga: 3.80 lakh beneficiaries
The figures indicate strong participation across several of Bihar’s largest districts as the verification drive continues.
Smaller Districts Lag Behind
In contrast, some of Bihar’s smaller districts have recorded comparatively lower verification numbers.
Sheikhpura reported the lowest count, with only 62,000 beneficiaries completing life certification so far. It was followed by Sheohar with 67,000 beneficiaries, Arwal with 76,000, and Lakhisarai with 96,000.
The Social Welfare Department said efforts are underway to accelerate the verification process in these districts and ensure that all eligible pensioners complete their life certification within the stipulated timeframe.
