Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced a significant hike in the Social Security Pension Scheme, raising the monthly pension for senior citizens, widows, and disabled individuals from Rs 400 to Rs 1,100, effective July 2025. The move, benefiting over 1.96 crore people, is seen as a strategic step ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections.
Bihar Boosts Social Security Pension to Rs 1,100 for Elderly, Widows, and Disabled
In a major policy decision, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced on June 21, 2025, a substantial increase in the state’s Social Security Pension Scheme, raising the monthly pension for senior citizens, widows, and persons with disabilities from Rs 400 to Rs 1,100. This nearly threefold hike, effective from July 2025, aims to provide enhanced financial support to over 1.96 crore beneficiaries across the state. The announcement, made via a post on X, has been positioned as a step toward ensuring a dignified life for vulnerable sections of society.
The revised pension will be credited directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts on the 10th of every month through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, ensuring transparency and timely disbursal. The scheme, managed through the Social Security Pension Management Information System (SSPMIS) portal, covers various welfare programs, including the Mukhyamantri Vridhajan Pension Yojana, Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme, Laxmibai Social Security Pension Scheme, Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme, and Bihar Disability Pension Scheme.
Bihar’s elderly population, particularly those above 60 years, will benefit significantly from the Mukhyamantri Vridhajan Pension Yojana, which aims to empower senior citizens by reducing their financial dependence on others. The state government has emphasized that this initiative reflects its commitment to the welfare of the elderly, disabled, and widowed women, with Kumar stating, “The elderly are an invaluable part of society, and their dignified living is our top priority.”
The timing of the announcement, just months before the Bihar Assembly elections scheduled for October-November 2025, has sparked discussions about its political implications. Political analysts view the pension hike as a strategic move to strengthen Kumar’s support base among rural, elderly, and differently-abled voters. Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary hailed the decision as a “historic day” for the state’s vulnerable populations, while Janata Dal (United) leader Prince Singh also welcomed the move, emphasizing its positive impact.
However, the decision has not been without controversy. Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), claimed that the pension hike mirrors his party’s earlier poll promise of increasing social security pensions to Rs 2,000 if voted to power. Yadav accused the Nitish Kumar-led government of “imitating” RJD’s manifesto. Meanwhile, Jan Suraaj Party leader Prashant Kishor has upped the ante by promising a Rs 2,000 monthly pension for those over 60 if his party wins the upcoming elections, further intensifying the political debate.
The pension hike is expected to benefit 1.09 crore beneficiaries directly, with specific allocations for 40,378 pensioners in Banmankhi, Purnia, as highlighted by local MLA Krishna Kumar Rishi. The initiative has been praised by BJP district president Nutan Gupta, who described it as a “revolutionary step” by the NDA government. The increased financial aid is anticipated to alleviate economic burdens for senior citizens, widows, and disabled individuals, enabling them to meet basic needs with greater ease.
To apply for the Mukhyamantri Vridhajan Pension Yojana, eligible individuals can submit applications online via the SSPMIS portal. Required documents include an Aadhaar card, proof of age, and bank account details. The process has been streamlined to ensure accessibility, with officials urging eligible citizens to apply promptly to avail of the enhanced pension benefits from July 2025.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports and official statements available on the web and posts on X. The information is subject to change as new details emerge. Readers are advised to verify eligibility and application processes through official government sources like the SSPMIS portal.