BJP MLAs protest in Jharkhand Assembly for pension hike

Ranchi

BJP legislators protested in the Jharkhand Assembly on Thursday, demanding a pension hike for widows and persons with disabilities (PwDs). They sought parity with the ‘Maiyan Samman Yojana,’ which provides ₹2,500 per month to women aged 18-50. Currently, widows and PwDs receive only ₹1,000 monthly.

During the question hour, BJP MLA Satyendra Nath Tiwary raised the issue, urging the JMM-led government to clarify its stance. Minister Chamra Linda responded that ‘Maiyan Samman’ and pensions are separate programs, with the pension scheme dependent on the Centre-state funding arrangement. He stated that an increase would require the Centre to raise its share.

Congress MLA Rameshwar Oraon also supported addressing the disparity. State Minister Sudivya Kumar announced that cooks and health sahiyas, who currently earn ₹2,000 monthly, would soon see their wages raised to ₹3,000.

BJP President Babulal Marandi insisted that widows and PwDs deserve pensions equal to ‘Maiyan Samman’ benefits. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Radha Krishna Kishore assured that the government would study pension models in other states before deciding.

Dissatisfied with the response, BJP MLAs stormed into the well of the House, raising slogans and demanding a direct answer. Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahato urged them to return to their seats, as the government had assured a review. However, the BJP members continued their protest and eventually walked out of the assembly.