India, June 21 -- The Bihar government led by chief minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday announced an increase in the monthly pension for elderly, disabled persons, and widowed women from Rs.400 to Rs.1,100. The decision, which will take effect from July, would impact 1,09,69,255 beneficiaries under the state's Social Security Pension Scheme. The decision has been seen as a move to further strengthen the NDA's women vote bank ahead of assembly polls due in October-November.

"I am happy to inform you that under the Social Security Pension Scheme, all the elderly, disabled and widowed women will now get a pension of Rs. 1100 instead of Rs. 400 every month. All the beneficiaries will get pension at the increased rate from the month of July. It...