₹3,708.57 Crore Pension Disbursed to 22.64 Lakh Elderly Beneficiaries Till January: Dr. Baljit Kaur

₹3,708.57 Crore Pension Disbursed to 22.64 Lakh Elderly Beneficiaries Till January: Dr. Baljit Kaur

Punjab Government Allocates ₹4,000 Crore for Old Age Pension Scheme for the Current Financial Year

Chandigarh, March 8:

The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has disbursed ₹3,708.57 crore in pension to elderly beneficiaries till January 2025. This information was shared by Social Security, Women, and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur.

Providing further details, Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that the government is committed to the welfare of every section of society. She informed that Punjab has a total of 34.09 lakh beneficiaries from various categories, including elderly citizens, persons with disabilities, widows, destitute women, and dependent children.

The Cabinet Minister further highlighted that Punjab has 22.64 lakh elderly beneficiaries who have received pension payments amounting to ₹3,708.57 crore till January 2025.

She also mentioned that the state government has allocated a total budget of ₹5,924.50 crore for old age pensions and other financial assistance schemes. Out of this, ₹4,000 crore has been earmarked for old age pensions for the current financial year.

Dr. Baljit Kaur directed officials to ensure that any pending pension funds are disbursed to beneficiaries within the stipulated time. She warned that any negligence in pension distribution would not be tolerated, and strict action would be taken against officials or employees found responsible for any lapses.

Reiterating the Punjab government’s commitment under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that the elderly are a matter of pride for the state. She instructed officials to ensure that pension payments to senior citizens are made within the prescribed timeframe without any delays.