“In a significant move, the Bihar government has introduced the revamped Patrakar Samman Pension Yojana, offering Rs 6,000 monthly to retired journalists. Effective from July 2025, the scheme aims to support over 50 journalists initially, requiring 20 years of experience and age above 60. The initiative strengthens financial security for media veterans ahead of assembly elections.”
Bihar’s Enhanced Pension Plan for Retired Journalists Unveiled
In a notable development, the Bihar government, under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has rolled out an updated version of the Bihar Patrakar Samman Pension Yojana (BPSPY) to provide financial support to retired journalists. Announced on June 16, 2025, the scheme offers a monthly pension of Rs 6,000 to eligible journalists, effective from July 2025. This move is seen as a strategic effort to bolster support for media professionals in the state, especially with the upcoming assembly elections in October-November 2025.
The Information and Public Relations Department (IPRD) has spearheaded the initiative, making key amendments to the existing pension rules to broaden eligibility and streamline processes. To qualify for the pension, journalists must have a minimum of 20 years of professional experience in the field and be over 60 years of age. The scheme is designed to provide a stable income source for retired media personnel who have dedicated decades to journalism in Bihar.
According to official statements, the state government has identified 46 retired journalists for the initial phase of pension disbursal, with plans to expand the beneficiary list in subsequent phases. The pension amount will be directly transferred to the bank accounts of approved applicants, ensuring transparency and efficiency. For journalists whose applications were approved by March 2023, payments have already been initiated, while others approved later will receive their dues starting July 2025.
The revamped scheme, previously known as the Patrakar Pension Yojana, was renamed to reflect its focus on honoring journalists’ contributions. The IPRD has also invited suggestions from journalist associations to refine the scheme further, particularly on verifying the 20-year experience criterion. This collaborative approach aims to ensure fairness and inclusivity in the selection process.
The announcement comes amidst a broader push by the Bihar government to enhance social security measures. On June 21, 2025, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced a separate pension hike under the Social Security Pension Scheme, increasing monthly payments for the elderly, disabled, and widowed women from Rs 400 to Rs 1,100, benefiting over 1.09 crore individuals. The juxtaposition of these announcements underscores the government’s focus on welfare ahead of the polls.
The pension scheme for journalists has been welcomed by media organizations, though some have called for clearer guidelines on eligibility verification. The government has assured that the application process will be streamlined through the IPRD’s online portal, requiring documents such as Aadhaar, proof of journalism experience, and bank details. Applicants must be permanent residents of Bihar and not beneficiaries of other government pension schemes.
This initiative is expected to provide much-needed financial stability to retired journalists, many of whom face economic challenges post-retirement. By recognizing their contributions to public discourse, the Bihar government aims to set a precedent for supporting media professionals across the state.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information sourced from official announcements by the Bihar government and reports from credible news outlets, including Sarkari Yojana and other web sources. The details provided are accurate as of July 5, 2025, and subject to change based on further government clarifications. Readers are advised to verify eligibility criteria and application processes through official channels.