- Announcement By: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
- Scheme: Social Security Pension Scheme.
- Key Hike: Pension raised from βΉ400 to βΉ1,100 per month (βΉ700 increase).
- Effective Date: Starting July 2025.
- Beneficiaries: Over 1 crore citizens (elderly, widows, and disabled).
- Significance of Hike: It is the first increase since 2005.
- Additional Measures: Higher allowances for Panchayat leaders and enhanced financial powers.
- Context/Goal:
- Coincides with upcoming Assembly elections later this year (political timing).
- Aimed at strengthening the NDAβs political positioning.
- Strategy to secure support in rural Bihar.