Nitish Kumar Transfers ₹1,227 Crore to 1.11 Crore Pension Beneficiaries in Bihar

Quick Summary

• Bihar CM Nitish Kumar transferred ₹1,227.27 crore to the accounts of over 1.11 crore pensioners under the Social Security Pension Scheme.
• Pension amounts were recently increased from ₹400/month to ₹1,100/month by the Bihar cabinet on June 24, 2025.
• Beneficiaries include elderly individuals,widows,and differently abled persons under six different schemes:

– Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme
– Mukhyamantri Vridhjan Pension Yojana
– Indira Gandhi National Widow pension Scheme
– Lakshmibai Social Security Pension Scheme
– Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme
– Bihar State Disability Pension Scheme.

• Madhubani district has the highest number of beneficiaries; Sheikhpura has the lowest.
• Approximately 54.5% of total beneficiaries are women.
• Individual testimonies from Rita Devi (Purnia), Mona Devi (Gaya), and Pushpa Kumari (Nalanda) highlight their gratitude for increased pensions helping with education costs and basic needs like medicine.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The direct transfer of ₹1,227.27 crore signals an emphasis on social security amid rising inflation challenges in India. The decision to increase pensions marks a important policy intervention aimed at empowering marginalized groups such as widows, differently abled persons, and senior citizens-over half being women-indicating progress toward inclusive advancement. However, practical challenges like reaching remote districts such as Sheikhpura may need further attention for equitable implementation.

While Nitish Kumar highlighted his government’s developmental focus as he assumed office in November 2005, statements indirectly criticizing prior administrations could polarize political discourse ahead of elections rather than fostering cooperative solutions for long-term social welfare betterment in Bihar.

Read More: The Hindu