Bihar pension scheme: 98 lakh beneficiaries get Rs 1,100 monthly
Patna, Aug 10
Monday brought significant relief to elderly citizens, widows and persons with disabilities across Bihar as Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary transferred around Rs 1,100 crore through Direct Benefit Transfer to the bank accounts of more than 98 lakh beneficiaries under various social security pension schemes.
The beneficiaries will now receive a monthly pension of Rs 1,100, compared with the earlier amount of Rs 400. This represents an increase of Rs 700 per month and is aimed at providing greater financial support to vulnerable sections of society.
Addressing the DBT programme organised by the Social Welfare Department through video conferencing, the Chief Minister said ensuring social security for the poor, underprivileged and needy was a primary responsibility of the state government.
The pension schemes cover senior citizens aged 60 years and above, widows and persons with disabilities. The monthly assistance is expected to help beneficiaries meet essential expenses such as medicines, food and other household needs.
The government has also fixed the 10th of every month as 'Bihar Pension Day'. Efforts will be made to transfer pension payments to eligible beneficiaries around this date every month, providing greater certainty regarding the release of funds.
Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary appealed to eligible senior citizens who are currently not receiving pension benefits to apply under the prescribed procedure and enrol themselves in the scheme.
He also advised beneficiaries facing problems with pension payments to check their bank account and Aadhaar details. Those whose Aadhaar is not linked with their bank account have been urged to complete the linking process so that DBT payments can be credited without interruption.
The government said the initiative is aimed at strengthening Bihar's social security system and ensuring that financial assistance reaches eligible beneficiaries directly, regularly and transparently.
The decision to increase social security pension was taken in the run‑up to the Bihar Assembly Election 2025 by then Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and now the Samrat Chaudhary government has endorsed it.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is truly a blessing for widows and disabled persons in rural Bihar. My maasi in Muzaffarpur depends entirely on this pension. But I hope the government also focuses on making the application process easier - many elderly people in villages don't have Aadhaar linked to bank accounts, and they struggle with paperwork.
Rs 1,100 for 98 lakh people means about Rs 1,100 crore every month. That's significant expenditure for the state. Hopefully the state's finances can sustain this - we don't want a promise that gets withdrawn later. Also, proper verification is needed to ensure only genuine beneficiaries get this.
Seeing this as a resident of Bihar - this was long overdue. With inflation, medicines alone cost more than Rs 400 per month for my elderly parents. The 'Bihar Pension Day' on the 10th of each month is a thoughtful initiative to bring predictability. I just hope the DBT system works smoothly without glitches. 🙏
One positive thing: the DBT system ensures money goes directly to beneficiaries, cutting out middlemen. But why is this being announced only now, right before elections? The timing feels political. Still, better late than never - and I appreciate that the current government has continued the scheme.
My dadi in Gaya just called me so happy today because her pension amount increased! She said she'll now be able to buy her blood pressure medicines without asking my father for money every time. Small things matter so much for our senior citizens. Shukriya government! ❤️
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