In a significant political statement during his Bihar election campaign, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that the **Old Pension Scheme (OPS)** will be reinstated in Bihar if the **INDIA alliance** forms the government. He emphasized that this promise is not a mere electoral strategy but a reflection of Rahul Gandhi’s commitment to transforming the lives of ordinary citizens, as successfully demonstrated in Himachal Pradesh.
Addressing a press conference in **Patna on Thursday**, CM Sukhu launched a scathing attack on the **20-year rule of the NDA government**, accusing it of stalling Bihar’s development. He pointed out that around 64 percent of the population in Bihar survives on merely Rs 66 per day, a grim reminder of the state’s economic distress. “Bihar, which holds immense potential to become a major tourism hub, has been pushed into a deplorable state under NDA rule,” he remarked.
Drawing a comparison between the two states, Sukhu noted that **Bihar’s per capita income stands at Rs 87,000**, while **Himachal Pradesh’s has reached Rs 2.57 lakh**, highlighting the stark difference in governance and development models.
Showcasing his government’s welfare initiatives, Sukhu said that under the **first phase of Himachal’s social welfare scheme**, nearly **2.87 lakh women** receive **Rs 1,500 per month**, and preparations are underway to extend this benefit further in the second phase. He also emphasized the state’s remarkable progress in education, stating that Himachal has moved from the **21st to the 5th position** in the national education quality index due to reforms under the **new education policy**.
Sukhu also mentioned Himachal’s initiative to transition public transport towards **electric vehicles**, marking a major step toward environmental sustainability. Senior Congress leaders accompanied him during the media interaction in Patna.
### Key Welfare Promises by INDIA Bloc for Bihar
During the press conference, CM Sukhu unveiled several welfare commitments that the INDIA alliance plans to implement if elected to power in Bihar:
* **Free healthcare treatment up to Rs 25 lakh** for all citizens.
* **Monthly financial assistance of Rs 2,500** for women, widows, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.
* Enhanced focus on **self-employment and higher education** opportunities for the youth.
* **Minimum Support Price (MSP) on milk** for farmers and dairy producers, replicating Himachal’s successful model.
Sukhu’s Bihar campaign speech has brought the **Old Pension Scheme** and welfare-driven governance model into sharp national focus, as the INDIA alliance seeks to replicate the Himachal success story in other states.
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