Bihar Hikes Journalist Pension from ₹6000 to ₹15,000
CM Nitish Kumar Increases Journalist Pension to ₹15,000
In a significant pre-election announcement, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar declared a substantial increase in the monthly pension for accredited journalists in the state. Under the Bihar Patrakaar Samman Pension Scheme, the pension has been raised from ₹6,000 to ₹15,000. This decision comes just months ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, signaling a clear outreach to the media fraternity.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Nitish Kumar stated, “Instructions have been given to the department to provide a monthly pension of ₹15,000 instead of ₹6,000 to all eligible journalists.” He emphasized that journalists, as the fourth pillar of democracy, deserve dignity and support after retirement.
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
Enhanced Support for Journalists’ Families
In addition to the pension hike, Kumar also announced a major increase in the dependent spouse pension. In case of the death of a journalist receiving a pension, the surviving spouse will now be entitled to ₹10,000 per month, up from the earlier ₹3,000. This support will be provided for the lifetime of the dependent.
“We have been consistently working to improve the lives of journalists,” the Chief Minister added. “Our aim is to ensure they can continue their profession impartially and live a life of dignity after retirement.”
These benefits are a continuation of the state government’s earlier efforts, which included health cover and welfare grants for journalists.
Political Context and Electoral Roll Controversy
The pension increase coincides with a politically sensitive period. Bihar is preparing for its Assembly elections, likely to be held in October or November 2025. The announcement appears to be part of a larger political strategy to secure goodwill among influential social groups, particularly media professionals.
Simultaneously, Bihar is witnessing a political storm over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls, being conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI). Opposition leaders have alleged voter list tampering under the guise of revision.
According to data released by the ECI on July 25, about 99.8% of Bihar’s electors have already been covered in the SIR process. Over 7.23 crore elector forms have been received and digitized, and these names will be included in the Draft Electoral Roll. The remaining entries, backed by Booth Level Officers’ (BLO) reports, are expected to be digitized by August 1, 2025.
Opposition Raises Alarm Over Voter Deletion
Despite these assurances from the Election Commission, several leaders from the opposition INDIA bloc have raised strong objections.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi, JMM MP Mahua Maji, RJD MP Manoj Jha, Shiv Sena (UBT)’s Priyanka Chaturvedi, and Lok Sabha Deputy Opposition Leader Gaurav Gogoi, among others, have accused the ECI of attempting to delete valid voters.
The leaders staged a protest at Makar Dwar of Parliament House, holding banners that read “SIR – Attack on Democracy.” Daily adjournment motions have been moved in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha demanding a halt to the revision exercise and a detailed discussion on its impact.
These tensions have further intensified the political atmosphere in Bihar. With polls drawing closer and voter lists under scrutiny, every move by the state government is being closely analyzed for electoral intent.
Journalists as a Key Electoral Constituency
While the journalist pension hike is a welfare move, analysts suggest it also carries clear electoral weight. Journalists, especially those in rural and small-town Bihar, are influential in shaping public opinion. Acknowledging their service through a financial gesture is likely to yield goodwill during the election period.
This increase is also expected to place pressure on other states to consider similar benefits, especially as discussions on media welfare gain national momentum.