Key Highlights:
- Pension raised from Rs 6,000 to Rs 15,000/month for retired journalists in Bihar.
- Spouse/dependents of deceased journalists to receive Rs 10,000/month instead of Rs 3,000.
- Announcement made ahead of Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, as part of journalist welfare push.
Patna: In a major move ahead of the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced a significant increase in pensions for retired journalists. Under the ‘Bihar Patrakar Samman’ scheme, the pension amount has been increased by Rs 9,000 per month.
Earlier, eligible retired journalists registered with the Bihar government used to receive Rs 6,000 per month. Now, they will receive Rs 15,000 every month as pension.
Big Relief for Families of Deceased Journalists
Nitish Kumar also made an important decision for families of journalists who have passed away. If a retired journalist dies, their spouse or dependent will now get Rs 10,000 per month as pension instead of the earlier Rs 3,000.
With this action, families who relied on the journalist's income will be supported and given the opportunity to live a respectable life even after their loved one has passed away.
Journalists Are the Fourth Pillar of Democracy: Nitish Kumar
While announcing this decision, CM Nitish Kumar shared a message on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), saying:
“I’m happy to inform that under the Bihar Patrakar Samman Pension Yojana, all eligible retired journalists will now receive Rs 15,000 per month. In case of a journalist’s death, the dependent or spouse will now get Rs 10,000 per month.”
He added that journalists are the fourth pillar of democracy and play a crucial role in society’s progress. That’s why the state government has always tried to take care of their needs—both during service and after retirement.
