Punjab releases Rs 1,423 crore in old-age pensions for 23.77 lakh seniors
The Punjab government has released Rs 1,423.33 crore under the old-age pension scheme so far in the current financial year, Social Security, Women and Child
The Punjab government has released Rs 1,423.33 crore under the old-age pension scheme so far in the current financial year, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Baljit Kaur said on Sunday. Around 23.77 lakh senior citizens across the state are receiving financial assistance under the scheme, which she described as one of Punjab's biggest social welfare programmes. Kaur said the state government has set aside Rs 4,000 crore for the scheme in the current financial year to ensure pensions are paid to eligible beneficiaries on time and without interruption.
She said the Bhagwant Mann-led government is committed to ensuring dignity, financial security and social protection for senior citizens. Read Full Story The minister directed district social security officers and other officials to ensure that no eligible senior citizen is left out of the scheme. She also asked them to process new applications in a transparent and time-bound manner, address complaints quickly and spread awareness about the pension scheme.
According to Kaur, permanent residents of Punjab can get the pension subject to the prescribed conditions. Men aged 65 years or above and women aged 58 years or above are eligible if their annual income from all sources does not exceed Rs 60,000. She appealed to eligible senior citizens who have not yet enrolled to approach the concerned authorities and avail of the benefit. Kaur said the government will continue to implement welfare schemes aimed at improving the quality of life of senior citizens and strengthening the state's social security network, while ensuring that eligible pensioners continue to receive support under the old-age pension scheme.
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