Patna: Bihar has significantly increased its social security pension payout, raising the monthly amount from Rs. 400 to Rs. 1,100 for more than 11 million beneficiaries across the state. The move, which aims to provide greater financial support to elderly citizens, widows, and people with disabilities, places Bihar among a select group of states offering such extensive assistance under welfare schemes.
The revised payments have taken effect from June, with beneficiaries expected to receive the increased amount starting from July. According to figures from the Social Security Directorate under the state’s Social Welfare Department, a total of 1,11,22,825 people will benefit from the increase.
However, the welfare measure comes with a steep financial cost. The state government will shoulder an additional annual burden of Rs. 9,202.84 crore, bringing the total cost of social security pensions to Rs. 14,682.13 crore. Previously, the combined state and central expenditure on these schemes stood at Rs. 5,479.29 crore—of which Rs. 4,040.58 crore was contributed by Bihar and Rs. 1,438.72 crore by the Centre.
The decision to hike pensions was announced during a review of the Mahila Samvad programme chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar last Saturday. Officials described the increase as a reflection of the state’s commitment to improving the living standards of its most vulnerable citizens.
Currently, Bihar runs six major pension schemes under its social security umbrella. These include:
- Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme – 35.6 lakh beneficiaries
- Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme – 6.3 lakh
- Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme – 1.1 lakh
- Laxmibai Social Security Pension Scheme – 8.6 lakh
- Bihar Disability Pension Scheme – 9.6 lakh
- Chief Minister’s Old Age Pension Scheme – nearly 50 lakh
