Bihar Elections: Nitish Kumar Boosts Social Security Pension to ₹1,100

June 21, 2025 – In a significant pre-election move, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today announced a substantial increase in the monthly social security pension for elderly, disabled persons, and widowed women from ₹400 to ₹1,100. The decision, which will take effect from July 2025, is set to benefit over 1.09 crore (10.9 million) beneficiaries across the state under the Social Security Pension Scheme.

Image By- Information and public relations department Government of Bihar

The announcement, made by Chief Minister Kumar on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), is widely seen as a strategic step to consolidate the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) position, particularly to further strengthen its support among women voters, ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections expected in October-November 2025.

"I am happy to inform you that under the Social Security Pension Scheme, all the elderly, disabled and widowed women will now get a pension of ₹1,100 instead of ₹400 every month," Kumar posted. He added that the increased rate would be disbursed from July onwards, and it would be ensured that the amount is credited to the beneficiaries' accounts by the 10th of every month. "The elderly are a precious part of society and ensuring their dignified living is our top priority. The state government will continue to make efforts in this direction," he stated.

This move comes amidst an intensified political campaign in Bihar, with opposition parties also making significant welfare promises. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav, for instance, has announced the "Mai-Bahin Samman Yojna," promising ₹2,500 to be deposited in the accounts of women if his party forms the government. The Congress has also put forth its "Mai Behan Maan Yojana." Nitish Kumar's pension hike is viewed by political observers as a direct counter to these opposition pledges, aiming to reinforce his pro-poor and pro-women image.

Beyond the pension hike, the Bihar government also announced an increase in the monthly allowance of representatives of all levels of Panchayati Raj institutions. Mukhiyas (village heads) and Sarpanchs will now receive ₹7,500 per month, up from ₹5,000, while Ward members and Panchs will get ₹1,200 per month, compared to the previous ₹800. The administrative approval limit for schemes under MGNREGA for Gram Panchayat heads has also been doubled from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh.

The Bihar Assembly elections, which will determine the composition of the 243-member assembly, are anticipated to be held in two to three phases between October and November 2025, with the Election Commission of India yet to announce the official schedule.