After Rs 1,100 Pension And 35% Job Quota For Women, What Is In Nitish's 'Election Box'?

Last Updated:July 15, 2025, 11:05 IST

The Bihar cabinet, led by CM Nitish Kumar, will discuss welfare initiatives with election implications, including pension hikes, reservation strategies and women's welfare

Nitish Kumar may further hike pension or expand beneficiary pool. (File pic/PTI)

All eyes are on the Bihar cabinet meeting scheduled for 10:30 am on Tuesday, July 15, where Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is expected to clear a slate of welfare initiatives with potential election overtones. With the 2025 assembly elections drawing closer and opposition pressure mounting, this cabinet session could shape the government’s final leg before the polls.

Sources in the state secretariat say the agenda includes expanding flagship schemes, sharpening the government’s stance on the reservation issue, and rolling out fresh benefits for the youth, elderly, women, and farmers.

Pension Push Likely to Get Louder

The old age pension scheme, recently revised to provide Rs 1,100 per month to over 1.09 crore elderly, widows, and disabled citizens, is likely to feature prominently. Though the increase (up from Rs 400) came into effect this July, the opposition, particularly the RJD, has slammed it as inadequate. Their demand is Rs 1,500 per month.

With this criticism in play, the cabinet could either further hike the amount or expand the beneficiary pool. Government insiders hint that a recalibration of the scheme is on the table, both as a welfare move and a political counter.

Reservation Strategy Under Review

Reservation continues to be a politically charged issue in Bihar. The cabinet is expected to review the legal status of the 65% reservation bill, which was recently struck down by the Patna High Court. The state government has already moved the Supreme Court to challenge the verdict.

Tuesday’s meeting may formalise Bihar’s legal roadmap ahead. Alongside, the government may also push forward the implementation of 35% reservation in state jobs for women domiciled in Bihar, a measure Nitish Kumar has publicly backed, and one likely to resonate with the nearly 3.6 crore women voters in the state.

What’s in the ‘Election Box’?

With elections less than a year away, the Nitish government is expected to announce a range of voter-friendly initiatives. Likely areas of focus:

1. Youth and Jobs

The Bihar Youth Commission, already cleared by the cabinet, could get fresh funds or programmes. Under the ‘Mukhyamantri Pratigya Yojana’, proposals may include monthly assistance of Rs 4,000 for Class 12 students and Rs 6,000 for graduates enrolled in skill development or internship programs.

2. Farmers

Agricultural support schemes could get a boost. In recent meetings, the cabinet had approved diesel subsidies and roadmap funds. Tuesday’s discussion may include incentives for new crop cultivation, irrigation systems, or agri-tech support.

3. Women’s Welfare

Expect expansion of schemes like the Pink Bus Service, Didi Ki Rasoi, and Mahila Haat. These initiatives are part of the state’s broader push for women’s empowerment, especially as female voter turnout has been rising.

4. Education and Health

The government may clear fresh teacher and headmaster appointments. In healthcare, expect budgetary approvals for new district-level facilities and mobile medical units, as part of Nitish Kumar’s social development pitch.

Why This Meeting Matters

Today’s cabinet session is more than routine governance; it’s a crucial pre-election staging ground. With opposition parties sharpening their attacks and BJP watching closely as a key NDA ally, Nitish Kumar is walking a tightrope. The focus now is on delivering visible benefits and reinforcing the state’s welfare image.

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News elections After Rs 1,100 Pension And 35% Job Quota For Women, What Is In Nitish's 'Election Box'?