Key Points
- Free Electricity Scheme: Bihar government to provide 100 units of electricity free every month to domestic consumers, aiming to ease household expenses and boost popularity before the 2025 assembly polls.
- Pension Boost: Social security pensions for senior citizens, widows, and persons with disabilities increased from ₹400 to ₹1,100 per month, benefiting over 1.09 crore people.
- Political Showdown: Opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav promises 200 units of free electricity and higher pensions if Mahagathbandhan forms the next government, intensifying the welfare race.
- Election Timeline: Bihar assembly elections expected in October–November 2025, likely in 2–3 phases, with official dates pending announcement.
- Focus on Rural & Middle Class: Both electricity and pension schemes are designed to attract rural and middle-class voters, who form the backbone of the electorate.
Patna: In a major pre-election move, the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government has announced a plan to offer 100 units of free electricity per month to all domestic consumers. The proposal, drafted by the Energy Department and already approved by the Finance Department, awaits final cabinet clearance. Once implemented, nearly every household in Bihar will benefit from reduced electricity bills, with only usage above 100 units incurring charges.
- Who Benefits? Only domestic consumers; commercial users are excluded.
- Current Scenario: Rural users pay ₹4.52 per unit after subsidy; urban users pay ₹4.52 per unit due to government support.
- Additional Relief: Existing discounts for prepaid meter users will continue alongside the new scheme.
This initiative is widely seen as a strategic move to win over rural and middle-class voters, for whom electricity bills are a significant monthly burden.
Tejashwi Yadav’s Counter-Promise: 200 Units Free
RJD leader and opposition face Tejashwi Yadav has upped the ante, promising 200 units of free electricity for every household if the Mahagathbandhan comes to power. He has also pledged to increase social security pensions to ₹1,500 per month and launch direct cash transfer schemes for women, setting the stage for a fierce welfare battle in the run-up to the polls.
Pension Hike: Direct Relief to Over 1 Crore Beneficiaries
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has also announced a significant hike in social security pensions, raising the monthly payout from ₹400 to ₹1,100 for senior citizens, widows, and persons with disabilities. The increased amount will be credited directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts by the 10th of every month, ensuring timely support.
- Number of Beneficiaries: Over 1.09 crore people across Bihar.
- Total Disbursement: More than ₹1,227 crore distributed under six pension schemes in the latest installment[4].
- Objective: To ensure a dignified life for the elderly and vulnerable sections, reinforcing the government’s social security net.
Nitish’s Broader Pitch: Women Empowerment & Social Change
During the announcement, Nitish Kumar emphasized his government’s commitment to women’s empowerment, education, and employment, contrasting his record with previous administrations. He claimed that pre-2005 governments neglected women’s welfare, while his tenure has prioritized their upliftment through targeted schemes and increased security.
Bihar Assembly Elections 2025: What to Expect
- Timeline: Elections are expected in October–November 2025, before the current assembly term ends on November 22. The poll process is likely to be completed in 2–3 phases, with dates scheduled around major festivals like Diwali and Chhath.
- Major Players: The contest will likely be between the JD(U)-BJP alliance led by Nitish Kumar and the Mahagathbandhan coalition led by Tejashwi Yadav.
- Key Issues: Welfare schemes, rural development, women’s empowerment, and cost-of-living relief are set to dominate the campaign.
With the announcement of free electricity and a substantial pension hike, the Nitish government has made a calculated bid to secure its voter base ahead of the 2025 Bihar assembly elections. The opposition, led by Tejashwi Yadav, has responded with even more ambitious promises, ensuring that welfare politics will be at the heart of this high-stakes electoral battle. All eyes are now on the Election Commission for the official poll schedule, as Bihar gears up for a contest that could redefine the state’s political landscape.
