PATNA, Aug. 11 -- Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday released Rs.1,247.34 crore via direct benefit transfer (DBT) for over 11.2 million social security pension beneficiaries, following his June 25 announcement of raising the monthly pension for the elderly, disabled, and widows from Rs.400 to Rs.1,100. The first instalment was disbursed on July 11, and the number of beneficiaries increased to 1.12 million from 1.11 million last month. "I am happy that the number of beneficiaries was 11.1 million last month and it has increased to 11.2 million this month. This is good. Nobody should be left out of the benefits," the CM said while addressing a gathering in Patna. The government released Rs.1,247.34 crore for six social security schemes on Saturday, including Mukhyamantri Vridhjan Pension Yojana, Indira Gandhi Old Age Pension, Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension, Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension, Laxmi Bai Social Security Pension, and Bihar State Disability Pension. Social welfare department secretary Bandana Preyashi said, "In the coming days, all the six pension schemes would be linked to the Right to Public Service (RTPS) at the panchayat level for the convenience of the beneficiaries, and they would not have to go to the block offices." The government also launched a toll-free number - 18003456262 - to help pension holders seek information or lodge complaints, if any. Both Deputy CMs Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, social welfare minister Madan Sahni, and senior officials were present on the occasion. In view of the increase in the number of beneficiaries, the social welfare department received an additional Rs.10,169 crore in the first supplementary budget for 2025-26, passed during the monsoon session. This has taken the department's overall budget to Rs.18,837 crore. The first supplementary budget of Rs.57,946 crore - the largest - was passed following the Rs.3,16,989.5-crore Budget approved on March 3 for 2025-26, in response to increased requirements. Meanwhile, the Opposition parties have also promised higher pensions in their pre-poll campaigns. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has assured Rs.1,500 per month pension, besides Rs.2,500 under its proposed Mai-Bahin Maan Yojana if voted to power. Jan Suraaj Party leader Prashant Kishor has also promised a Rs.2,000 pension should his party form the government. The Congress party had launched the Mai Bahin Maan Yojana campaign in May, under which the party promises that Bihar women would receive Rs.2,500 monthly in their bank accounts once the Grand Alliance government is formed. Experts are of the opinion that the elections being just round the corner in the state, schemes like hiked pension and disbursal of the benefits could potentially be a game-changer. "This is a big social welfare initiative that will have a huge impact, as it will directly benefit the 11.2 million poor families irrespective of caste and creed. Perhaps that explains why all the political parties promised it, but what will matter for parties is that who will able to convey a right message of assurance and delivery," social analyst Nawal Kishor Choudhary said. Former director of AN Sinha Institute of Social Sciences, DM Diwakar, says that such measures were now trademark populism that was showcased in every election. "But such populist measures are like 'pressure tactics' employed to win over voters. But whatever might be the intentions behind such schemes, common people get benefits. That's a good part," he added....