Bihar Patrakaar Samman scheme: Nitish Govt hikes journalist pensions to Rs 15,000 a month

Ahead of the assembly elections in the state, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has made a major announcement for journalists hiking their monthly pension from Rs 6,000 to Rs 15,000.

All eligible retired journalists, registered with the Bihar government, will now receive a monthly pension of Rs 15,000 instead of the earlier monthly emolument of Rs 6,000, Nitish Kumar announced in a social media post on X.

“I am pleased to inform that under the ‘Bihar Patrakaar Samman Pension Scheme’, instructions have been given to the department to provide a monthly pension of Rs 15,000 instead of Rs 6,000 to all eligible journalists.”

Bihar Chief Minister has also announced a sharp increase in pensions given to dependent spouse in the event of death of a journalist. The amount has been increased from Rs 3,000 per month to Rs 10,000 per month.

“Additionally, in the event of the death of journalists receiving a pension under the ‘Bihar Patrakaar Samman Pension Scheme’, instructions have been given to provide their dependent spouse with a monthly pension of Rs 10,000 instead of Rs 3,000 for their lifetime” he said.

The chief minister noted “Journalists play a crucial role in democracy. They are the fourth pillar of democracy and have a significant role in social development. We have been taking care of journalists’ facilities from the beginning so that they can perform their journalism impartially and live with dignity after retirement.”

Ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, Nitish has launched flurry of social safety schemes in the state. Earlier in July, Bihar government also announced a provision of 125 units of free electricity for domestic consumers.

To mitigate the financial impact of free power, Nitish announced that govt will promote solar energy through two schemes where a 50% central subsidy was provided for rooftop solar panels and associated equipment.