*Monthly Pension Benefiting Over 23.51 Lakh Elderly Across Punjab*
*₹4,000 Crore Budget Provision Further Strengthens Social Security Schemes*
Punjab’s Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur, today informed that more than ₹352 crore has been released under the Old Age Pension Scheme for the month of March during the financial year 2026-27. She stated that the Punjab Government is making continuous efforts to ensure the welfare and financial assistance of senior citizens across the state.
Providing further details, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the Punjab Government is extending monthly old age pension benefits to 23,51,338 elderly beneficiaries. She added that a budget provision of ₹4,000 crore has been made under the scheme to ensure timely financial assistance to all eligible beneficiaries.
The Cabinet Minister said that for many elderly citizens, this pension has become an important source of financial support, helping them meet their daily needs and live with dignity and self-reliance. She emphasized that the scheme reflects the government's commitment to providing respect and security to senior citizens.
Dr. Baljit Kaur further informed that men aged 65 years or above and women aged 58 years or above, with an annual income not exceeding ₹60,000, are eligible to avail benefits under this scheme.
She also stated that applicants possessing up to 2.5 acres of Nehri/Chahi land, or up to 5 acres of Barani land ownership, or up to 5 acres in water-logged areas (including combined land ownership of husband and wife), are also eligible for the scheme.
The Cabinet Minister directed all District Social Security Officers and concerned officials to ensure timely disbursement of pensions and expedite the disposal of pending applications. She further instructed that regular monitoring and field-level verification should be carried out to ensure that no eligible elderly person is deprived of benefits and that funds are delivered transparently to beneficiaries.
She added that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government considers senior citizens as a valuable asset of society and is continuously working for their welfare and security.
Dr. Baljit Kaur reiterated that the government's objective is to ensure that every elderly citizen in the state lives with dignity, self-reliance, and financial security.
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