India, Aug. 10 -- Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday released Rs.1,247.34 crore via direct benefit transfer (DBT) for over 1.12 crore 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 112 lakh from 111 lakh last month. "I am happy that the number of beneficiaries was 1.11 crore last month and it has increased to 1.12 crore 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 Satu...