Patna/Munger: Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Thursday authorised the direct transfer of ₹1,233.87 crore into the bank accounts of 1.05 crore social security pension beneficiaries during a ceremony in Munger, officials said.
What was transferred and who benefited
Under the social security pension scheme, eligible groups including senior citizens, widows and persons with disabilities received ₹1,100 each via direct benefit transfer (DBT). Officials said the exercise covered 1.05 crore account-holders and that 98,896 people were newly added to the rolls on this occasion.
“The CM transferred ₹1,233.87 crore through DBT to the bank accounts of 1.05 crore social security pensioners at a function in Munger,” an official said.
At the event, the Chief Minister also announced a procedural change: social security pension payments would be routed through DBT to beneficiaries’ bank accounts on the 10th of every month. This, the state leadership said, is aimed at regularising disbursements and minimising leakages.
Administrative and local impact
The fixed monthly schedule intends to provide predictability for households that depend on the small but recurring pension. For many senior citizens and persons with disabilities in rural Bihar, an assured date for credit can ease planning for medicines, food and other essentials.
- Amount disbursed: ₹1,233.87 crore
- No. of beneficiaries credited: 1.05 crore
- Payment per beneficiary: ₹1,100
- New beneficiaries added: 98,896
- DBT schedule: 10th of every month
Officials said the initiative forms part of the state government's broader social security measures. Local banking correspondents and post office branches across Bihar are central to ensuring that DBT credits reach elderly and differently-abled recipients in remote panchayats.
Development announcements at Munger function
Besides the pension disbursement, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for the widening and strengthening of a stretch of National Highway 333 from Gangta in Munger to Kodwarva in Jamui. Officials indicated the project is scheduled to be inaugurated in September next year.
The road project, once completed, is expected to improve connectivity between Munger and neighbouring districts, potentially reducing travel time for commuters and easing transport of agricultural produce to markets.
Water resources and river management
Speaking on water management, the Chief Minister said the state would pursue changes to the Farakka Water Agreement to enable access to Ganga water when required. He emphasised the need to address silt accumulation and improve river management along the Buxar–Bhagalpur stretch.
River siltation and seasonal flooding have long affected agriculture, river transport and embankment stability in Bihar. Any policy or inter-State negotiation that secures more reliable water flows could influence irrigation and livelihoods in the lower reaches of the Ganga basin.
Practical considerations for beneficiaries
Beneficiaries should note the regularised date of credit and verify their bank passbooks or mobile banking notifications on the 10th of each month. Those who do not receive the pension on the scheduled date should approach local bank branches, gram panchayat offices or the designated social welfare cell to report non-credit and have the matter investigated.
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Total amount disbursed | ₹1,233.87 crore |
| Beneficiaries credited | 1.05 crore |
| Payment per beneficiary | ₹1,100 |
| New beneficiaries added | 98,896 |
Officials told reporters the state will continue to audit rolls and enrol eligible people to reduce exclusion errors. The emphasis on DBT is consistent with broader federal and state efforts to deliver welfare by minimising intermediary leakages.
The Munger function combined immediate cash transfers with infrastructure and resource-management announcements. For many households dependent on the modest pension, the regular DBT date could mean more reliable access to routine expenses; for the region's economy, improved roads and better river management remain long-term priorities.
