Nitish government hikes monthly pension of retired journalists by ₹9,000 to ₹15,000

Nitish government hikes monthly pension of retired journalists by ₹9,000 to ₹15,000

Bihar Patrakar Samman Pension Yojana

  • Announcement Date: 26 July 2025

  • Announced By: CM Nitish Kumar (ahead of Bihar Assembly Elections 2025).

  • Key Decision:

    • Monthly pension for retired journalists increased from ₹6,000 → ₹15,000.

    • Dependents/Spouse of deceased journalists will now get ₹10,000/month (lifetime) instead of ₹3,000.

  • Rationale:

    • CM described journalists as the “fourth pillar of democracy.”

    • Aim: to ensure dignity, social security, and impartial functioning of journalists even after retirement.

  • Political Context:

    • Announcement comes just before elections → welfare measure with political undertone.

    • Part of broader pension and welfare schemes in Bihar (recently also transferred ₹1,227.27 crore to 1.11 crore pension beneficiaries, cleared artist pensions, internships, etc.).