Patna: CM Samrat Choudhary on Friday transferred more than Rs 1,423 crore to the bank accounts of over 97 lakh social security pension beneficiaries through direct benefit transfer and announced that the 10th of every month would be observed as Bihar Pension Day.Addressing a function at Sankalp Sabhagar at Lok Sevak Awas, the chief minister’s residence in Patna, Samrat directed district and block-level officials to inquire during Sahayog Shivir and Panchayat Vikas Diwas programmes and ensure that no eligible person remains outside the ambit of social security schemes. He asked officials to launch a campaign to identify and enrol excluded beneficiaries and said those whose Aadhaar cards are not linked should complete the process at the earliest.He said pension distribution must be time-bound and transparent so that every eligible citizen receives social security benefits with dignity. The programme was attended virtually by beneficiaries, district magistrates from across the state and other dignitaries.Samrat said the state govt’s objective was not merely to provide financial assistance but to strengthen the dignity, security and self-confidence of every needy citizen. He said the increase in the monthly social security pension from Rs 400 to Rs 1,100 had brought visible changes in people’s lives and reflected the govt’s commitment to poor, deprived and needy sections of society.Social welfare minister Shweta Gupta was present at the programme. Social security director Preeti welcomed the chief minister by presenting him with a sapling.Congratulating the beneficiaries, Samrat said the transfer reflected the govt’s commitment to transparency, accountability and technology-driven welfare. He added that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, welfare, dignity and social security for the poor, elderly people, persons with disabilities and other deprived groups had received top priority.
