Should Bihar Government Increase Pension to Rs 1,600?

Gaya, June 21 (NationPress) Union Minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) leader Jitan Ram Manjhi expressed his support for Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's recent announcement to enhance the state's social security pension. However, he urged the administration to rethink the proposed amount, advocating for an increase to Rs 1,600 per month.

The Bihar government revealed earlier today that it will elevate the monthly pension for widows, senior citizens, and individuals with disabilities from Rs 400 to Rs 1,100. This newly adjusted amount will be applicable starting July, with payments scheduled for the 10th of each month.

In a statement to IANS, Jitan Ram Manjhi remarked that while this increase is commendable, it remains inadequate compared to neighboring states.

"For instance, in Jharkhand, beneficiaries receive Rs 2,000. Those residing near the Bihar-Jharkhand border are likely to compare benefits. If Bihar genuinely aims to assist its most vulnerable groups, the pension should be set at a minimum of Rs 1,500 to Rs 1,600," he asserted.

He also recommended that Bihar should synchronize its welfare benefits with those provided by other states to ensure equity.

“Conversations happen across state borders. When one state offers more, it raises expectations. Currently, if the Bihar government re-evaluates and raises the pension to Rs 1,600, it would be positively received by the populace,” he concluded.

Previously, while announcing the pension increase on social media platform X, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar stated, “I am pleased to announce that under the Social Security Pension Scheme, widowed women, the elderly, and disabled individuals will now receive Rs 1,100 monthly instead of Rs 400. This increase will take effect from July.”

This initiative is anticipated to benefit over 1.09 crore individuals across Bihar. Officials have confirmed that payments will be directly transferred to bank accounts on a designated date each month, promoting transparency and efficiency.

The announcement aligns with a significant outreach campaign launched in April, aimed at directly connecting with over two crore women throughout the state. Although the Nitish-led government has not implemented any universal direct cash transfer scheme for women, it remains committed to targeted welfare initiatives.

In contrast, RJD leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav has pledged to provide Rs 2,500 monthly to women under the proposed Mai-Bahin Maan Yojana if elected in the upcoming elections.

With only four months remaining before the crucial Bihar Assembly elections, political analysts perceive the pension increase as a strategic move to counter the Opposition’s populist promises and reinforce Nitish Kumar’s pro-poor image.