Patna, July 25, 2025: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday announced a significant hike in the monthly pension for retired journalists in Bihar, increasing the amount under the ‘Bihar Patrakar Samman’ scheme from ₹6,000 to ₹15,000. The decision, made public just months ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, is aimed at providing greater financial security to those who have served in the field of journalism.
In a post on social media platform X, the Chief Minister said he was pleased to inform that all eligible retired journalists registered with the Bihar government would now receive ₹15,000 per month as part of the revised pension scheme. This move marks a ₹9,000 increase from the previous pension amount.
The government has also decided to revise the family pension provided to the dependents or spouses of deceased journalists who were beneficiaries under the same scheme. From now on, they will receive a lifetime monthly pension of ₹10,000, up from the earlier ₹3,000.
Highlighting the importance of the press in democratic society, the Chief Minister stated that journalists are the fourth pillar of democracy and have always played a key role in societal development. He emphasized that his government has consistently worked to ensure journalists are supported both during and after their service, allowing them to perform their duties with integrity and live with dignity post-retirement.
The announcement has been welcomed by journalist associations and media workers across the state, who had long demanded a revision in the pension structure. Political observers also noted the timing of the move, coming just months before Bihar heads to the polls, suggesting it could bolster the ruling government’s image among the state’s intellectual and professional communities.
