Chandigarh, March 22:
The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, remains committed to the welfare of all sections of society, especially senior citizens, widows, destitute women, children, and persons with disabilities. Since assuming office, the government has disbursed ₹16,847.83 crore in financial aid under various social security schemes.
Providing details, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur stated that ₹11,310.33 crore has been distributed under the Old Age Pension Scheme. In the financial year 2022-23, ₹3,651.08 crore was allocated to 21.26 lakh beneficiaries, followed by ₹3,950.68 crore in 2023-24 to 22.11 lakh beneficiaries, and ₹3,708.57 crore in 2024-25 to 22.64 lakh beneficiaries.
Dr Baljit Kaur further said that Punjab government has provided financial aid of ₹3,140.62 crore to widows and destitute women. In 2022-23, ₹1,013.07 crore benefited 5.84 lakh women, while in 2023-24, ₹1,084.92 crore was distributed to 6.11 lakh beneficiaries. In 2024-25, ₹1,042.63 crore was allocated to 6.47 lakh women under the scheme.
Additionally, the Punjab Government has provided ₹1,077.41 crore for the welfare of destitute children and ₹1,319.47 crore for persons with disabilities.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Dr. Baljit Kaur stated, “Our senior citizens are our pride, and the Punjab Government is continuously striving for their well-being. These initiatives aim to build a prosperous and progressive Punjab.”
She also directed officials to ensure the transparent and efficient implementation of social security schemes so that the rightful beneficiaries receive their due benefits without any hindrance. Strict action will be taken against any negligence or irregularities in the execution of these schemes.
