In a bold and heartfelt move, Bihar’s Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday greenlit the transfer of a staggering ₹1,227 crore into the bank accounts of more than 1 crore people. The historic decision comes with a big boost; the monthly pension now is ₹1,100, the first in the state’s history.
The scheme reaches out to lives of different vulnerable groups of older citizens, widows, and the disabled. To some of them, it is not only a figure; it’s stability, a sigh of relief, and dignity restored.
Six Schemes, One Mission: Lift the Forgotten
The disbursal is of six major welfare schemes. Under the Bihar Disability Pension Scheme, ₹106.24 crore will support 9.65 lakh individuals. The lead among them is Samastipur with 73,663 individuals receiving ₹8.11 crore and the runner-up is Patna with 53,650 individuals receiving ₹5.90 crore.
Another ₹12.16 crore will be disbursed among 1.10 lakh Indians under the Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme.
Meanwhile, the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme has emerged as a heavy-hitter ₹391.29 crore will reach 35.57 lakh elderly recipients.
Widowed women aren’t left behind. The Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme will allocate ₹69.62 crore among 6.32 lakh women.
The Lakshmibai Social Security Pension Scheme brings hope to 8.64 lakh women, distributing ₹95.25 crore. Patna again takes the lead with 75,184 recipients getting ₹8.27 crore.
Old Age Pension: The Giant of Them All
Leading the pack is the Mukhyamantri Vridhjan Pension Yojana. With 49.89 lakh senior citizens as recipients, one scheme alone accounts for a whopping ₹552.69 crore channeled into it. East Champaran shines with 2.49 lakh people receiving ₹27.70 crore , the highest in the state.
Beyond Numbers: A Statement of Care
This is not a transaction, it’s a signal. A government to the people, “We notice you.” The threefold increase in the pension value speaks louder: that Bihar is serious about lifting its poor and leaving nobody behind.
By aiming at the vulnerable and de-red-tapping welfare, this move does not just deliver help, but hope. To many, that ₹1,100 is not just money, it’s reassurance.