"Matter of great satisfaction": Bihar CM Nitish Kumar after social security beneficiaries express gratitude for increased pension

Patna (Bihar) [India], July 10 : Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday expressed his satisfaction after social security beneficiaries thanked him for increasing their pension amount from ₹400 to ₹1,100 per month.
Sushila Devi from Bakhtiyarpur, Lakshmi Devi from Chandwari, and other beneficiaries appreciated the increased pension amount, stating it will cover their monthly expenses and allow them to live with dignity.
The beneficiaries expressed gratitude, saying they would no longer have to rely on financial help, thanks to the increased pension.
In a post on X, CM Nitish Kumar said, "Today, I read the reactions of several people in the Hindustan newspaper, including Sushila Devi ji from Bakhtiyarpur, Lakshmi Devi ji from Chandwari in Mokama, Bandi Khatoon ji from Paliganj, Mahendra Prasad ji from Taregana Dih in Masaurhi, and Bhatt Kumar and his wife Geeta Kumari from Dinara in Bikram block. They all say that the increase in the pension amount will easily cover their monthly expenses, and now they won't have to stretch out their hands before anyone. This is a matter of great satisfaction."
The increased pension amount is part of the state's social security pension schemes, including the Mukhyamantri Vridhajan Pension Yojana, the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme, and the Lakshmibai Social Security Pension Scheme.
The government aims to provide financial support to vulnerable sections of society, ensuring their dignity and well-being.
"Yesterday was a day of great joy for a large population of the state. You know that the social security pension amount has been increased from 400 rupees to 1100 rupees, and yesterday, through D.B.T., an amount of 1227.27 crore rupees was transferred at the increased rate to the accounts of more than 1 crore 11 lakh beneficiaries in the state," Kumar posted on X.
CM Nitish Kumar has instructed the Health Department to ensure that all beneficiaries are provided with Ayushman Bharat cards. This will enable them to receive proper medical treatment free of cost in case of illness, further improving their quality of life.
"We want all of you to remain healthy and happy, and that is why I have instructed the Health Department to ensure that all of you are provided with the Ayushman Bharat card so that, in case of illness, you can receive proper treatment free of cost. The elderly, widowed women, and differently-abled individuals are an important part of society, and we are continuously working to improve their lives," said the Bihar CM.
The Chief Minister emphasised the government's commitment to ensuring that every section and class of society receives their full rights and respect.
"Ensuring that every section and class of society in the state receives their full rights and respect has been our priority from the beginning," he added.
The initiative, implemented on June 21, saw ₹ 1,227.27 crore transferred to beneficiaries' accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) on July 9.
On July 11, Kumar will transfer ₹1,227.27 crore to over 1.11 crore beneficiaries under six social security pension schemes via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced a slew of measures in poll-bound Bihar to strengthen his government's presence ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.
Some of the key measures include 35% reservation for Women in Government jobs, domicile policy, job recruitment drive, increased pension for social security beneficiaries, Ayushman Bharat cards and youth-focused initiatives.
These measures are seen as an attempt by Nitish Kumar to consolidate his vote bank and attract new supporters ahead of the assembly elections. The opposition, led by Tejashwi Yadav, has also announced several promises, including providing ₹2,500 per month to women under the "Mai-Bahen Mann Yojana".
The upcoming Bihar assembly elections, scheduled later this year, is expected to be a closely contested one, with both sides vying for the support of women and youth voters.