Patna: In a significant pre-election move, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday announced a substantial increase in social security pensions for the elderly, disabled, and widows. The decision, widely seen as a strategic political masterstroke, comes months ahead of the 2025 Assembly elections and is being interpreted as a response to mounting criticism from political rivals Tejashwi Prasad Yadav and Prashant Kishor.
मुझे यह बताते हुए खुशी हो रही है कि सामाजिक सुरक्षा पेंशन योजना के तहत सभी वृद्धजनों, दिव्यांगजनों और विधवा महिलाओं को अब हर महीने 400 रु॰ की जगह 1100 रु॰ पेंशन मिलेगी। सभी लाभार्थियों को जुलाई महीने से पेंशन बढ़ी हुई दर पर मिलेगी। सभी लाभार्थियों के खाते में यह राशि महीने की 10…
— Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) June 21, 2025
Under the revised scheme, beneficiaries under Bihar’s Chief Minister Social Security Pension Scheme will now receive Rs 1,000 per month — a sharp increase from the previous Rs 400– Rs 500. The hike, which will benefit lakhs of people across the state, is set to take effect from July 1, 2025.
The announcement was made during a cabinet meeting, where Nitish said the move was aimed at ensuring dignity and financial stability for vulnerable groups. “This is our commitment to inclusive governance and social justice,” he added.
The timing of the announcement has drawn attention from political observers, who view it as a clear message to the opposition. Tejashwi Yadav, leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), has repeatedly criticised the government over welfare delivery. Meanwhile, political strategist-turned-activist Prashant Kishor has been vocal about the state’s lack of impactful policies for the poor.
