Bihar Government Enhances Journalists’ Pension under Patrakar Samman Pension Yojana
Patna, July 29: In a landmark decision aimed at supporting retired journalists and acknowledging their invaluable contribution to society, the Government of Bihar has significantly enhanced the monthly pension amount under the Patrakar Samman Pension Yojana. As per the directions issued by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Nitish Kumar, eligible retired journalists will now receive a monthly pension of ₹15,000, up from the previous amount of ₹6,000.
The announcement was made by the Chief Minister himself via social media on Tuesday morning, marking a moment of pride and long-awaited relief for the journalist community across the state. This nearly two-and-a-half-fold increase reflects the government’s commitment to the welfare of the media fraternity, which has long served as the fourth pillar of democracy.
The decision has been widely welcomed by journalist bodies and media professionals. The Nationalist Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bihar, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the move. State President Shri Rakesh Praveer and General Secretary Shri Krishnakant Ojha of NUJ Bihar extended their gratitude to the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister cum Finance Minister Shri Samrat Chaudhary for approving this long-pending demand.
The NUJ leaders noted that this increase brings Bihar at par with several other states, such as Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, where retired journalists already receive a monthly pension of ₹15,000. For many years, journalist associations across Bihar have consistently advocated for the enhancement of this pension scheme, citing the vital role journalists play in upholding democratic values, often at personal risk and with limited financial security post-retirement.
The enhanced Patrakar Samman Pension Yojana is expected to provide much-needed financial support and social dignity to retired journalists, many of whom continue to live in difficult conditions despite dedicating their careers to public service and responsible journalism.
While the state and country continue to debate the current state of the media and its evolving challenges, this move stands as a reaffirmation of the government’s respect for the press and a recognition of its longstanding role in shaping public opinion and safeguarding democracy.
