Nitish Kumar raises monthly pension for elderly, disabled, widows ahead of Bihar elections

In a major pre-election announcement, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on June 21 declared a substantial hike in pensions for elderly, disabled, and widowed women in the state.

The monthly assistance under various social security schemes will now be increased from ₹400 to ₹1,100.

The decision is expected to benefit over 1.5 crore people and comes just months ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections scheduled later this year.

The hike will be implemented from July 1, 2025, and will apply to beneficiaries of the Mukhyamantri Vridhjan Pension Yojana and other related schemes.

Nitish Kumar, while addressing the media, said the increase was aimed at ensuring financial dignity for the most vulnerable sections of society. “Those who are unable to earn and depend on these pensions deserve more. This is our duty,” he said.

The state government has reportedly allocated over ₹10,000 crore to fund this enhanced welfare measure. Analysts see the move as a strategic outreach to key voter groups, particularly women and the elderly, ahead of a crucial electoral battle in Bihar.