Weeks Before Polls, Nitish Kumar Hikes Pensions in Bihar, Sparking Speculation Over Electoral Strategy
With assembly elections looming in Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday announced a significant hike in pensions for senior citizens, widows, and persons with disabilities — a move widely seen as a bid to garner goodwill and secure votes from vulnerable sections of society.
The announcement, which will impact over 1.09 crore beneficiaries, promises to increase monthly pensions from the current ₹400 to ₹1,100, beginning July 2025. The timing of the decision, coming just months ahead of the crucial state polls, has raised eyebrows across political circles.
“Under the Social Security Pension Scheme, all elderly persons, disabled citizens, and widowed women will now receive ₹1,100 per month. The increased amount will be credited directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts on the 10th of every month,” Nitish Kumar declared on social media platform X, positioning the move as a major step for social justice.
However, critics and observers point out that such sweeping welfare measures often coincide with election cycles, when governments become especially attentive to sections of society that hold electoral sway — particularly the elderly, women, and the economically disadvantaged.
A Sudden Surge of Empathy for the Elderly?
Many view the announcement as part of a broader pre-election charm offensive, especially since the pension amount has remained stagnant for years. With elections approaching, Nitish Kumar’s renewed concern for senior citizens has raised questions about why these welfare enhancements weren’t prioritized earlier during his long tenure as chief minister.
“The elderly are an important part of society, and their dignified living is our top priority,” Kumar said, a sentiment some interpret as a last-minute outreach designed to rebuild public trust and counter anti-incumbency sentiments.
Financial Implications—and Political Calculations
The move is expected to cost the state exchequer an additional ₹3,594.42 crore annually, bringing the total yearly spend on pensions to nearly ₹9,000 crore, up from the current ₹5,405.58 crore. While the government describes it as a commitment to social welfare, political analysts view it as a strategic expenditure to boost voter sentiment ahead of the elections.
“This proposal will now be sent for cabinet approval,” a government official stated, requesting anonymity. However, the public announcement—made before formal approval—has already served its political purpose: projecting Nitish Kumar as a leader who cares about the state’s most vulnerable citizens.
A Package of Welfare Announcements
The pension hike covers several major schemes:
- Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme
- Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme
- Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme
- Laxmibai Social Security Pension Scheme
- Bihar Disability Pension Scheme
- Mukhyamantri Vriddhjan Pension Scheme
Additionally, Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary announced a 3% reduction in loan interest rates for ‘Jeevika Didis’, women engaged in rural livelihood missions. He described the move as another step towards relieving women, elderly, and differently-abled citizens.
“The NDA government cares for every section of society. Congratulations to all,” Choudhary said, aligning the welfare push with a larger narrative of inclusive governance, a key election-time message.
A Familiar Political Playbook?
Nitish Kumar, who has been in power in Bihar for nearly two decades in various political combinations, has often relied on targeted welfare schemes and last-minute announcements to swing elections in his favor. With dissatisfaction growing over unemployment, governance gaps, and internal NDA rifts, the sudden pension hike is being viewed by many as an attempt to reset the narrative and re-engage with core voter bases.
As Bihar moves toward elections, voters will decide whether this surge in welfare promises is seen as genuine concern or calculated politics. But for now, the government’s message is clear: the elderly, widows, and disabled citizens have been remembered—just in time for the ballot.
