Patna: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has transferred pension money worth Rs 1,263.95 crore directly into the bank accounts of more than 1.13 crore people in Bihar. The amount covers the pension for August and was sent through direct benefit transfer (DBT) at a programme held at the chief minister’s residence in Patna. Each beneficiary received Rs 1,100 under the state’s Social Security Pension Scheme.
The scheme supports elderly people, widows and persons with disabilities. Officials of the Social Welfare Department said that the number of pensioners is growing every month. In August alone, 1.23 lakh new beneficiaries were added. Between June and August, the total number of people receiving pensions rose by 2.22 lakh, showing the government’s focus on extending support to vulnerable groups.
Speaking at the event, Nitish Kumar said that the state had increased the pension amount from Rs 400 to Rs 1,100 in June this year to ensure better living conditions for those in need. He said, “Our aim is that no eligible person is left out. Timely pensions give relief and respect to the elderly, widows and the disabled. We are working continuously to improve the lives of weaker sections of society.”
The chief minister also congratulated beneficiaries on receiving their payments and said the government would keep making efforts for social justice and inclusive growth. As a symbol of welcome, Social Welfare Secretary Bandana Preyashi presented a green plant to Kumar at the function.
Large sums of money were distributed across different pension schemes. Over 35 lakh people under the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme received Rs 389 crore. Around 52 lakh pensioners under the Chief Minister’s Old Age Pension Scheme received Rs 585 crore. Widows, disabled persons and women covered under other schemes also received their share, with payments ranging from Rs 12 crore to more than Rs 100 crore.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha, Social Welfare Minister Madan Sahni, senior bureaucrats and directors of various government departments attended the event. District magistrates, local representatives and thousands of beneficiaries from across Bihar joined the programme through video conferencing, reflecting the wide reach of the initiative.
