Chandigarh, October 30: Senior BJP leader Sanjay Tandon has welcomed the decision to double the monthly pensions for widows and persons with disabilities in Chandigarh from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000, expressing gratitude to Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria for approving the long-awaited enhancement of welfare benefits.
Thanking the Administrator for the decision, Tandon said, “I sincerely thank Gulab Chand Kataria ji for this sensitive and people-oriented decision. Increasing the monthly pension for widows and persons with disabilities will provide much-needed financial relief to some of the most vulnerable sections of society. This is a welcome step towards ensuring social security, dignity and a better quality of life for those who need the support of the administration the most.”
In a statement, Tandon said he had been pursuing the demand for an increase in social security pensions for a long time and had consistently taken up the matter with the concerned authorities.
“I have been making sustained efforts for this enhancement for a long time, as I firmly believe that the welfare of widows, persons with disabilities and economically weaker sections must remain a priority. I am delighted that this long-pending demand has finally received due consideration,” he said.
He also welcomed other welfare measures approved by the Chandigarh Labour Welfare Board, including financial assistance of Rs 21,000 under the Maternity Benefit Scheme, an additional fixed deposit of Rs 10,000 in the name of a newborn child, and financial assistance of Rs 25,000 under the Digital Education Scheme for purchasing laptops or other prescribed digital learning devices.
He said the decision to extend scholarship benefits to working employees pursuing education through self-study and the expansion of the Kanyadaan Scheme to cover unmarried female employees themselves were also commendable initiatives.
“These decisions reflect a progressive approach towards inclusive development and social welfare. Supporting women, strengthening the financial security of vulnerable families and promoting education and digital empowerment are essential for building a more equitable society,” Tandon said.
He expressed confidence that under the leadership of Gulab Chand Kataria, the Chandigarh Administration would continue to introduce people-centric initiatives and strengthen the social security framework for the benefit of all sections of society.
