Ahead of Bihar polls, Nitish govt hikes monthly pension for retired journalists to Rs 15,000

The decision, which comes months ahead of the state assembly elections, aims to provide greater financial security to retired journalists officially registered with the state government.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday announced a substantial hike in pensions for retired journalists under the Bihar Patrakar Samman scheme, raising the monthly amount from Rs 6,000 to Rs 15,000.

The decision, which comes months ahead of the state assembly elections, is aimed at providing greater financial security to retired journalists officially registered with the state government, says the Chief Minister.

Taking to social media platform X, Kumar said, “I am pleased to inform that under the Bihar Patrakar Samman pension scheme, instructions have been issued to provide a monthly pension of Rs 15,000 instead of Rs 6,000 to all eligible journalists.”

मुझे यह बताते हुए खुशी हो रही है कि बिहार पत्रकार सम्मान पेंशन योजना के तहत अब सभी पात्र पत्रकारों को हर महीने 6 हजार रू॰ की जगह 15 हजार रू॰ पेंशन की राशि प्रदान करने का विभाग को निर्देश दिया है। साथ ही बिहार पत्रकार सम्मान पेंशन योजना के अंतर्गत पेंशन प्राप्त कर रहे पत्रकारों की…

— Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) July 26, 2025

The Bihar CM also announced that in case of a pensioner’s death, their spouse or dependent will now receive Rs 10,000 per month, up from the previous Rs 3,000.

Highlighting the contribution of journalists to society, Kumar said, “Journalists are the fourth pillar of democracy and play an essential role in social development. We have consistently worked to support their welfare so they can serve impartially and live with dignity after retirement.”