punjab Strengthens Social Safety Net: Over ₹3,243 Crore Released To Benefit 36.39 Lakh People Under Social Security Schemes : Dr. Baljit Kaur

Oct10,2026 | Jagrati Lahar Bureau | Chandigarh

- *CM Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Government committed to ensuring dignity, security and timely financial assistance for every deserving citizen*

- *₹841.76 crore released for widows, destitute women and dependent children; ₹2,401.67 crore disbursed to senior citizens and persons with disabilities*

- *Dr. Baljit Kaur directs officers to ensure no eligible beneficiary is left out of any welfare scheme*

Reinforcing its commitment to building an inclusive, compassionate and welfare-oriented Punjab, the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government continues to strengthen the social security net to ensure that timely financial assistance reaches every deserving citizen with dignity and respect. Stating this, Social Security, Women & Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the State Government is taking result-oriented initiatives to safeguard the interests of the most vulnerable sections of society and improve their quality of life.

Sharing details, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that more than ₹3,243 crore has been released so far during the current financial year under various Social Security Schemes, benefiting 36.39 lakh beneficiaries across the State. She said these initiatives have emerged as a strong pillar of social protection, ensuring timely financial assistance to those who need it the most.

The Cabinet Minister said that ₹841.76 crore has been released as financial assistance to 9.45 lakh widows, destitute women and dependent children, while ₹2,401.67 crore has been disbursed among 26.94 lakh senior citizens and persons with disabilities, enabling them to lead a life of dignity, security and self-reliance.

Emphasising the Government's people-centric approach, Dr Baljit Kaur said, "No family should feel abandoned in times of vulnerability. Under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, our Government stands firmly beside every widow, senior citizen, person with disability and dependent child, ensuring that eligible beneficiaries receive timely financial assistance with dignity, transparency and respect."

Highlighting the Government's long-term commitment to social welfare, Dr Baljit Kaur said that the Punjab Government has made a budget provision of ₹6,131.91 crore under various Social Security Schemes for the financial year 2026-27, ensuring uninterrupted and timely delivery of benefits to eligible beneficiaries.

The Cabinet Minister further directed all officers to intensify awareness campaigns, expedite the processing of applications, strengthen field-level monitoring and ensure that not a single eligible person is deprived of the benefits of any Social Security Scheme. She reiterated that every deserving citizen must receive assistance without delay and affirmed that every rupee allocated for social welfare should translate into timely relief, greater social security and an improved quality of life for the people of Punjab.

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