Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced a significant hike in the Mukhyamantri Widow Pension Scheme, increasing the monthly pension from ₹400 to ₹1,100, effective July 2025. This move, benefiting over 1.09 crore elderly, disabled, and widowed women, aims to enhance financial security ahead of the state elections. The decision counters opposition promises while prioritizing social welfare.
Bihar Enhances Social Security with Widow Pension Hike
In a significant move aimed at bolstering social welfare, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced on June 21, 2025, a nearly threefold increase in the monthly pension under the Mukhyamantri Widow Pension Scheme. The pension, previously set at ₹400 per month, has now been raised to ₹1,100, effective from July 2025. This decision is expected to benefit 1,09,69,255 beneficiaries, including widows, senior citizens, and differently-abled individuals across the state.
The announcement comes as part of a broader enhancement of social security programs, including the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme, Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme, Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme, Laxmibai Social Security Pension Scheme, Bihar Disability Pension Scheme, and Mukhyamantri Vriddhajan Pension Yojana. The move is seen as a strategic effort to provide financial relief to vulnerable sections of society, particularly in the lead-up to the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections.
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary emphasized the government’s commitment to inclusive welfare, stating that the pension hike, alongside a 3% reduction in loan interest rates for women under the ‘Jeevika Didi’ initiative, reflects the NDA government’s focus on empowering women, the elderly, and disabled individuals. The enhanced pension aims to alleviate economic hardships faced by widows, ensuring greater financial stability and access to essential services like healthcare and education for their dependents.
The decision has sparked political reactions, with opposition leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav accusing the Nitish Kumar-led government of replicating his party’s earlier promise to increase social security pensions to ₹1,500 per month. Yadav, in December 2024, had pledged additional benefits under the Mai-Bahin Samman Yojna, including subsidized gas cylinders. Despite the criticism, the state government maintains that the pension hike is a proactive step toward improving the quality of life for millions.
The Mukhyamantri Widow Pension Scheme, alongside other social security initiatives, is part of Bihar’s efforts to strengthen its welfare framework. The state government has also introduced digital application services to streamline access to these benefits, ensuring eligible widows can easily register and receive payments. Eligibility criteria include widows above 18 years with an annual family income below ₹2 lakh, designed to target those most in need.
This pension increase aligns with broader national efforts to expand social security coverage, which has risen to 64.3% in 2025, according to recent reports. States like Tamil Nadu have also enhanced contributions to widow pension schemes, with monthly payments reaching ₹1,200 through state top-ups. However, Bihar’s latest hike positions it as a significant player in addressing economic disparities among vulnerable populations.
The government has allocated substantial funds to operationalize the revised pension scheme, with payments set to reflect the new amount from July 2025. Dedicated helplines and online portals have been established to assist beneficiaries with registration and queries, ensuring a smooth rollout. The initiative is expected to reduce poverty levels, improve healthcare access, and empower widows to participate more actively in the economy, marking a pivotal step in Bihar’s social welfare agenda.
Disclaimer: This article is based on news reports and publicly available information from sources such as The Hindu, Times of India, and other credible outlets. The information provided is for general awareness and should not be considered financial or legal advice. Readers are encouraged to verify details through official government channels.