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Key Points

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has significantly increased monthly pensions for journalists from Rs 6000 to Rs 15000. The scheme also provides Rs 10000 monthly pensions to spouses of deceased journalists. Kumar emphasized journalists' crucial role as democracy's fourth pillar while making the announcement. This decision comes just months before Bihar's Legislative Assembly elections expected later this year. The pension hike is seen as a major welfare measure for the journalist community in the state.

Key Points: Nitish Kumar Raises Bihar Journalist Pension to Rs 15000 Monthly

  • Nitish Kumar announces 150% pension hike for Bihar journalists
  • Spouses to receive Rs 10000 monthly after journalist's death
  • Move comes months before crucial Bihar Assembly elections
  • CM emphasizes journalists as democracy's fourth pillar
3 min read

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar announces hike in monthly pension for journalists to Rs 15000

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar hikes journalist pension from Rs 6000 to Rs 15000, also increases spousal benefits ahead of state elections.

"Journalists play a crucial role in democracy... We have been taking care of journalists' facilities from the beginning. – Nitish Kumar"

Patna, July 26

In a major development, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday announced a significant hike in monthly pension benefits under the 'Bihar Patrakaar Samman Pension Scheme' for all eligible journalists and their spouses.

In a social media post on X, the Chief Minister informed that the state government has instructed the concerned department to increase the monthly pension amount for all eligible journalists from the existing Rs 6,000 to Rs 15,000.

"I am pleased to inform that under the 'Bihar Patrakaar Samman Pension Scheme', instructions have been given to the department to provide a monthly pension of Rs 15,000 instead of Rs 6,000 to all eligible journalists. Additionally, in the event of the death of journalists receiving a pension under the 'Bihar Patrakaar Samman Pension Scheme', instructions have been given to provide their dependent spouse with a monthly pension of Rs 10,000 instead of Rs 3,000 for their lifetime," Chief Minister Kumar posted on X.

https://x.com/NitishKumar/status/1948937385552515326

The Chief Minister also emphasised the importance of journalists in a democratic society, referring to them as the fourth pillar of democracy and highlighting their vital contribution to social development.

He said, "Journalists play a crucial role in democracy. They are the fourth pillar of democracy and have a significant role in social development. We have been taking care of journalists' facilities from the beginning so that they can perform their journalism impartially and live with dignity after retirement."

Notably, this announcement comes months ahead of the Legislative Assembly elections in Bihar, which are expected to be held in October or November this year. However, the Election Commission is yet to announce the dates.

Meanwhile, the political battle between the ruling NDA and opposition Mahagathbandhan has intensified in the state and at the Centre, months ahead of the elections, on the issue of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar's electoral rolls.

The SIR of the electoral rolls in Bihar has erupted a massive row in the country, with the opposition INDIA bloc alleging that it will delete a significant chunk of voters.

Earlier on Friday, the Election Commission of Bihar announced that 99.8 per cent of the state's electors have been covered under the ongoing Special Integrated Revision (SIR) process, as per the statement from the polling agency.

The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Bihar confirmed that forms of over 7.23 crore electors have been received and digitised, with their names set to be included in the Draft Electoral Roll, scheduled for release on August 1, 2025, added the statement.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Ananya R
Election season announcement? 🤔 While the pension hike is welcome, timing seems suspicious. Why now when elections are just months away? Hope this isn't just another political gimmick...
S
Siddharth J
As a journalist from Bihar, I must say this is a historic decision. Most regional journalists struggle financially after retirement. This pension will be life-changing for many senior colleagues. Hope other states follow Bihar's example!
P
Priya S
What about farmers and laborers? They work harder than anyone but get peanuts as pension. Government should think about all sections equally. This selective benefit looks like vote bank politics 😒
V
Vikram M
Good initiative but implementation is key. Hope the pension reaches all eligible journalists without bureaucratic hurdles. Bihar government should also ensure transparency in selection criteria.
K
Kavya N
My father was a journalist for 35 years in Patna. He passed away last year with just ₹3000 pension for my mother. This new scheme would have helped us so much. Better late than never for others though ❤️

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