Bihar pension scheme: 98 lakh beneficiaries get Rs 1,100 monthly

Patna, Aug 10 (IANS) 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 (DBT) 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

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