Patna: Bihar’s social security pension schemes have expanded their reach over the past decade, with the combined number of beneficiaries across six major schemes rising by more than 46 lakh. By September 2026, these schemes covered over 1.08 crore people, compared with around 62.31 lakh in the financial year 2016–17.
The schemes provide financial assistance to elderly people, widowed women and persons with disabilities. Their expansion reflects the growing reach of social security support in the state, although beneficiary numbers have increased at different rates across individual schemes.
Social Security Pension Beneficiaries Rise to 1.08 Crore
According to the figures released for the period, the total number of beneficiaries across six pension schemes increased from 62,31,477 in 2016–17 to 1,08,36,005 by September 2026. This represents an increase of 46,04,528 beneficiaries over the decade.
The schemes aim to provide financial support to eligible people who may face economic difficulties because of old age, widowhood or disability. Regular pension assistance can help beneficiaries meet some everyday expenses and reduce their dependence on family members.
The overall rise, however, does not mean that every scheme recorded an increase. The figures show substantial growth in some categories, while beneficiary numbers under certain central schemes declined during the same period.
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Mukhyamantri Vridhjan Pension Yojana Covers Over 58 Lakh People
The Mukhyamantri Vridhjan Pension Yojana had 58,31,921 beneficiaries by September 2026, making it the largest of the six schemes in the latest figures. Bihar introduced the scheme in the financial year 2019–20 to extend pension support to eligible elderly residents.
Its beneficiary count highlights the scale of old-age pension assistance in the state. For older people with limited or no regular income, pension support can contribute towards basic needs and help them manage day-to-day expenses.
The figures provided do not specify the amount distributed under the scheme or the total expenditure incurred. They indicate the number of beneficiaries covered by September 2026.
Disability Pension Schemes Record Different Trends
Bihar’s disability pension schemes have followed different trends over the past decade.
Under the Bihar Nishaktata Pension Yojana, the number of beneficiaries rose from 6,97,752 in 2016–17 to 9,40,880 by September 2026. This marks an increase of 2,43,128 beneficiaries.
In contrast, the Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme recorded a decline. Its beneficiary count fell from 1,16,539 in 2016–17 to 88,359 in September 2026.
These figures show that the two schemes recorded different changes over the same period. The available data does not explain the reasons behind the decline in beneficiaries under the national scheme.
Lakshmibai Pension Scheme Expands Its Reach
The Lakshmibai Social Security Pension Scheme also recorded an increase in beneficiaries. The number rose from 5,60,879 in 2016–17 to 9,02,981 by September 2026, an addition of 3,42,102 beneficiaries.
The scheme provides social security assistance to eligible women covered under its provisions. Such support can be important for women who lack a stable source of income and need financial assistance to manage household expenses.
The increase in beneficiaries indicates a wider reach for the scheme. However, the figures alone do not establish whether the growth resulted from changes in eligibility, improved awareness, administrative outreach or other factors.
Widow Pension Scheme Sees a Modest Increase
The Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme recorded a smaller rise in beneficiaries. Its coverage increased from 5,49,226 in 2016–17 to 5,56,246 by September 2026, an increase of 7,020 people.
The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to eligible widowed women. Even a modest pension can help recipients manage some essential expenses, particularly when they have limited household income or financial support.
Compared with the increases recorded under some other schemes, the change in this scheme’s beneficiary count was relatively small. The available figures do not provide further details about applications, approvals or reasons for the trend.
Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme Records a Decline
The Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme recorded a significant fall in beneficiary numbers over the decade. Its coverage decreased from 43,07,081 in 2016–17 to 25,15,618 by September 2026.
That represents a decline of 17,91,463 beneficiaries. The figures do not state why the number fell, so the decrease cannot be attributed to a particular policy change or administrative reason based on the available information.
The decline also illustrates why the overall growth across Bihar’s six pension schemes needs to be viewed alongside the performance of individual programmes. While the combined beneficiary count rose substantially, the trend varied considerably between schemes.
What the Figures Mean for Social Security in Bihar
The increase from 62.31 lakh to more than 1.08 crore beneficiaries marks a substantial expansion in the combined reach of Bihar’s six social security pension schemes. These programmes provide support to groups that can face financial vulnerability, including elderly people, widowed women and persons with disabilities.
The next important measure is not only how many people appear in beneficiary figures, but also whether eligible recipients receive their pensions regularly and can access the assistance without unnecessary difficulty. Clear eligibility rules, timely payments, accessible application processes and effective grievance redressal can strengthen the impact of social security programmes.
The figures up to September 2026 show that Bihar’s pension schemes collectively cover a larger number of people than they did a decade ago. At the same time, the differing trends across schemes point to the importance of monitoring each programme separately to understand coverage and identify where eligible people may still need support.
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