- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Tue, 24 Jun 2025 08:30 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Bihar government has significantly expanded its social security net, with one out of every 12 residents now receiving assistance under various pension schemes. Following a recent review meeting under the 'Mahila Samvad' initiative, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar approved a 175 per cent increase in the minimum pension amount, raising it to Rs 1,100 per month across several schemes.
As per official data, over 1.11 crore beneficiaries across the state are receiving financial support through six major social security pension schemes. Of these, three schemes are run entirely by the Bihar government, while the other three are supported by the Central government.
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The centrally aided schemes include:
-Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS)
-Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS)
-Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS)
In these, the Central government contributes 50–75 per cent of the funds, with the Bihar government covering the rest.
On the other hand, the state solely funds the:
-Lakshmibai Social Security Pension Scheme
-Bihar Disability Pension Scheme
-Chief Minister Old Age Pension Scheme
With the revised pension amount, the financial burden on the state treasury has increased substantially. The Bihar government will now spend approximately Rs 3,508.90 crore annually on the centrally supported schemes, up from Rs 732.32 crore earlier. For the state-run schemes, the annual cost has risen to Rs 4,040.58 crore, compared to the previous Rs 3,308.25 crore.
In total, the enhanced pension provisions will add Rs 9,202.84 crore per year to the state’s financial obligations. Despite the increased burden, the government maintains that the move is aimed at improving the financial security and dignity of elderly, widowed, and differently-abled citizens across Bihar.