CM Nitish Kumar today transferred an amount of Rs. 1227.27 crore to the accounts of more than 1 crore 11 lakh pensioners under the Social Security Pension Scheme through DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) in a significant event held at ‘Sankalp’ Auditorium, 1 Aney Marg. Earlier, Rs 400 per month was available under this scheme, which has now been increased to Rs 1100 per month.
A short film based on the social security pension scheme was also screened on the occasion. Smt.Bandana Preyashi, Secretary, Social Welfare Department informed that this decision was taken in the Cabinet meeting on 24th June 2025. On this day, ‘Pension Utsav’ was celebrated across Bihar and programmes were organised in all 38 districts.
He pointed out that 54.5 per cent of the beneficiaries are women, which is a sign of inclusive growth. The beneficiaries expressed happiness over the three-fold increase in pension and expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister.
Many beneficiaries thanked the Chief Minister through video conferencing. Mrs. Rita Devi of Purnia said that she was getting widow pension after the death of her husband and now the increase in pension will facilitate the children’s education and household expenses.
Several other beneficiaries including Smt Mona Devi of Bodh Gaya, Smt Pushpa Kumari of Nalanda, 80-year-old Smt Prabhavati Devi of Bhojpur also thanked and blessed the Chief Minister for the enhanced amount.
In his address, the Chief Minister said that since coming to power in 2005, the government has continuously worked for development and upliftment of all sections. Under the social security pension scheme, now the elderly above 60 years of age, divyangjans and widows, who used to get ₹400 earlier, will now get ₹1100 per month. This new system has been implemented from June 2025 and the first installment has been sent to the accounts today.
The Chief Minister also announced that henceforth, the pension amount would be credited to the account of the beneficiaries on the 10th of every month.
He said that the government has given 50% reservation to women in Panchayati Raj and Urban bodies and 35% in government jobs. At the same time, development works have been carried out equally for all sections and regions of the state.
Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Samrat Chaudhary, Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Vijay Kumar Sinha, Social Welfare Minister Mr. Madan Sahni and senior officers of the State Government were also present on the occasion. All the district magistrates, divisional commissioners, superintendent of police and other senior officials were present at the meeting through video conferencing.