The Bihar government has amplified its commitment to social welfare by significantly raising the social security pension. This decision will result in a two-and-a-half-fold increase in payments, directly impacting the lives of the elderly, widows, disabled, and other vulnerable groups. Over 11.12 million beneficiaries will now receive ₹1100 per month, a substantial rise from the previous ₹400, with the new rate taking effect in July.
This makes Bihar a prominent state in providing substantial financial support to its disabled population, with more than 11,122,825 people receiving ₹1100 monthly under the social security umbrella. Consequently, the state will shoulder an additional yearly financial commitment of ₹9202.84 crore.
Previously, the Bihar government allocated ₹5479.29 crore annually for social security programs, with the central government contributing ₹1438.72 crore. The state’s portion was ₹4040.58 crore. The updated pension scheme will bring the total expenditure to ₹14682.13 crore, resulting in an added financial burden of ₹9202.84 crore for the state.
The pension increase was approved during a review chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The Department of Social Security oversees a number of social security schemes. These include the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (35,59,807 beneficiaries), the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (6,32,596 beneficiaries), the Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (1,10,581 beneficiaries), the Laxmibai Social Security Pension Scheme (8,64,922 beneficiaries), the Bihar Disability Pension Scheme (9,65,269 beneficiaries), and the Mukhyamantri Vridhjan Pension Yojana (49,89,650 beneficiaries).
