Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced on Saturday that his government has decided to increase pensions for senior citizens, widows, and people with disability by Rs 700 per month. Beneficiaries will now receive an increased pension of  Rs 1,100 from July.

"I am happy to inform you that under the Social Security Pension Scheme, all the elderly, disabled and widowed women will now get a pension of Rs 1,100, instead of Rs 400 every month. All the beneficiaries will get a pension at the increased rate from July," Kumar posted on X. He added that the pension amount will be sent to the accounts of all beneficiaries on the 10th day of every month.

"This decision of the government will help beneficiaries and will ensure they spend a dignified life, which is the top priority of the government," Social Welfare Department Secretary Bandana Preyashi told PTI in Patna. The Chief Minister stated that the total number of beneficiaries for the pension scheme in the state stands at 1.96 crore.