Patna: More than 1.08 crore people in Bihar receive financial assistance every month through six social security pension schemes run by the Central and state governments. The schemes support senior citizens, widowed women and persons with disabilities who need regular financial assistance to meet their daily expenses.
Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has announced that the 10th of every month will be observed as ‘Pension Day’ to encourage timely pension payments. Under this initiative, the government aims to transfer pension amounts directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
The initiative seeks to make pension disbursement more regular and transparent, helping eligible beneficiaries receive their money on time.
Bihar Pension Schemes Cover Over 1.08 Crore Beneficiaries
According to figures shared by the Social Welfare Department, Bihar had 1,08,36,005 beneficiaries across its six social security pension schemes in September.
The Mukhyamantri Vridhjan Pension Yojana has the highest number of beneficiaries, followed by the Bihar Divyang Pension Yojana and the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme.
The September figures for the six schemes are:
- Mukhyamantri Vridhjan Pension Yojana: 58,31,921 beneficiaries
- Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme: 25,15,618 beneficiaries
- Bihar Divyang Pension Yojana: 9,40,880 beneficiaries
- Laxmibai Social Security Pension Scheme: 9,02,981 beneficiaries
- Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme: 5,56,246 beneficiaries
- Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme: 88,359 beneficiaries
Together, these schemes provide a regular source of financial support to more than 1.08 crore people across the state.
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Monthly Pension Increased to ₹1,100
The Bihar government has increased the monthly social security pension amount to ₹1,100 per beneficiary. The increase aims to provide greater financial support to eligible people who depend on these payments for their routine needs.
For many senior citizens, widowed women and persons with disabilities, a regular pension can help cover essential expenses, including food, medicines and other household requirements. Although the amount may not cover every expense, timely payments can offer greater financial stability.
The government has also emphasised the importance of ensuring that eligible beneficiaries receive their pensions without unnecessary delays.
₹1,233.78 Crore Transferred Through DBT
In September, the Chief Minister transferred ₹1,233.78 crore into beneficiaries’ bank accounts through DBT as pension payments for August, according to the state government.
The release states that the transfer covered 1,05,68,000 beneficiaries. This figure differs from the 1,08,36,005 beneficiaries recorded across the six schemes in September, as the figures refer to different reported counts.
The DBT system allows the government to send pension amounts directly to bank accounts, reducing the need for beneficiaries to collect payments through intermediaries. It also supports greater transparency in the distribution of public funds.
The government aims to strengthen the payment process so that beneficiaries receive their monthly assistance within the expected timeframe.
Six Pension Schemes Run by Central and Bihar Governments
Bihar operates six social security pension schemes, with three run by the Central government and three by the state government.
The Central government schemes include the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme, Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme and Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme.
The Bihar government operates the Laxmibai Social Security Pension Scheme, Bihar Divyang Pension Yojana and Mukhyamantri Vridhjan Pension Yojana.
Each scheme targets eligible beneficiaries based on its prescribed criteria. The schemes aim to provide financial assistance to people who may face difficulties meeting their basic needs because of old age, widowhood or disability.
Who Can Receive Benefits Under These Schemes?
The pension schemes serve different groups of eligible residents.
The Mukhyamantri Vridhjan Pension Yojana provides assistance to eligible senior citizens aged 60 years and above. The Laxmibai Social Security Pension Scheme supports eligible widowed women, while the disability pension schemes assist persons with disabilities who meet the prescribed conditions.
Eligibility and documentation requirements depend on the particular scheme. Applicants should check the applicable rules and ensure that their records and bank details are correct to avoid payment-related problems.
Pension Day Aims to Improve Timely Payments
The decision to observe the 10th of every month as Pension Day places greater emphasis on the regular delivery of social security assistance. A predictable payment schedule can help beneficiaries plan their monthly expenses and reduce uncertainty about when their pension will arrive.
Bihar Social Welfare Minister Dr Shweta Gupta said the state government remains committed to providing financial security to vulnerable sections of society. She noted that social security pensions help senior citizens, widowed women and persons with disabilities live with dignity.
She also said the government wants to ensure that no eligible beneficiary remains deprived of pension benefits and that payments reach people through a transparent system.
With more than 1.08 crore beneficiaries covered by its six schemes, Bihar’s pension programme represents a major part of the state’s social welfare support. The Pension Day initiative adds a stronger focus on timely delivery, while regular monitoring and accurate beneficiary records will remain important to ensure that eligible people receive their assistance.
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