In a major decision ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, the Nitish Kumar-led government has approved an increase in the monthly pension of retired journalists by Rs 9000. This announcement has been welcomed by journalist associations across the state, many of whom have long demanded better post-retirement support for media professionals who served society through their work.
According to the official notification, eligible retired journalists who previously received a monthly pension of Rs 10000 will now receive Rs 19000. The new rates are expected to take effect immediately, and beneficiaries will begin receiving the revised amounts from the next disbursement cycle. State government officials described the move as a gesture of respect for the contributions made by senior journalists in promoting democratic values and informing the public.
The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The state information and public relations department, which oversees matters related to press and media welfare, submitted the proposal after reviewing long-standing requests from journalist unions. The department has also been directed to streamline the pension approval process and ensure timely payments to beneficiaries.
While many veteran journalists expressed gratitude for the government’s move, political reactions have been mixed. Members of the ruling alliance praised the decision, calling it a progressive step in acknowledging the role of the press in democracy. They also pointed out that Bihar is one of the few states to offer a dedicated pension scheme for retired journalists, and increasing the amount reflects the government’s commitment to media welfare.
However, opposition leaders criticized the timing of the announcement, suggesting it was politically motivated. They argued that such welfare measures could have been implemented earlier and questioned whether this was an attempt to influence public opinion in the run-up to the state elections. Some also called for similar support to be extended to other retired government and contract employees in need of assistance.
Journalist associations have urged the government to follow up this increase with further measures, including health insurance coverage, housing support, and access to welfare schemes. They also requested that the government create a formal database of retired media professionals to ensure that benefits reach the intended recipients without delay.
In response to these suggestions, state government representatives indicated that more initiatives are under consideration and that the administration remains open to dialogue with journalist organizations. They assured that steps will be taken to further improve the welfare of media workers in the state.
As the election season approaches, this pension hike is likely to remain a point of discussion, not only in political debates but also among civil society groups evaluating the government’s engagement with the media sector.
