Sasaram (Bihar) [India], July 11 : Jan Suraaj chief Prashant Kishor on Thursday welcomed the Bihar government's move to increase the monthly pension for the elderly, disabled, and widows from Rs 400 to Rs 1,100, but said this amount would not be enough in the long run.
Reacting to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's announcement, Kishor said the hike marked a positive outcome of the three-year-long Jan Suraaj Abhiyan, but stressed that further action was needed.
Addressing mediapersons in Sasaram, Kishor said, "Tomorrow is a happy day for us because, after three years of Jan Suraaj Abhiyan, the pension amount for the elderly, disabled, and widows is being increased from Rs 400 to Rs 1100. This is a matter of happiness, and we are thanking the government for this."
However, he added that the revised amount was not sufficient to meet the basic needs of the poor and vulnerable in the state. "But at the same time, we are also saying that after Chhath, Rs 1100 will not suffice, Rs 2000 will have to be given," he further said.
Earlier yesterday, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed his satisfaction after social security beneficiaries thanked him for increasing their pension amount from Rs 400 to Rs 1,100 per month.
Sushila Devi from Bakhtiyarpur, Lakshmi Devi from Chandwari, and other beneficiaries appreciated the increased pension amount, stating it will cover their monthly expenses and allow them to live with dignity.
The beneficiaries expressed gratitude, saying they would no longer have to rely on financial help, thanks to the increased pension.
In a post on X, CM Nitish Kumar said, "Today, I read the reactions of several people in the Hindustan newspaper, including Sushila Devi ji from Bakhtiyarpur, Lakshmi Devi ji from Chandwari in Mokama, Bandi Khatoon ji from Paliganj, Mahendra Prasad ji from Taregana Dih in Masaurhi, and Bhatt Kumar and his wife Geeta Kumari from Dinara in Bikram block. They all say that the increase in the pension amount will easily cover their monthly expenses, and now they won't have to stretch out their hands before anyone. This is a matter of great satisfaction."
The increased pension amount is part of the state's social security pension schemes, including the Mukhyamantri Vridhajan Pension Yojana, the Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme, and the Lakshmibai Social Security Pension Scheme.