CHANDIGARH: At a press conference held at Punjab Bhawan, Punjab’s Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities Minister Dr Baljit Kaur said the Government of Punjab has adopted a sensitive, transparent and people-centric welfare model to ensure that vulnerable sections benefit from various schemes. She stated that 23.62 lakh senior citizens are receiving ₹1500 monthly pension through Direct Benefit Transfer, with strict monitoring leading to the recovery of ₹170 crore from ineligible beneficiaries. Two modern old age homes have been made operational, while NGOs working for senior citizens have also received financial assistance.
Highlighting women and child welfare initiatives, Dr Kaur said ₹2042 crore has been spent under the free bus travel scheme for women, and five Working Women Hostels are under construction. She added that 6.48 lakh widows and needy women are receiving pensions, while recruitment of Anganwadi workers has strengthened grassroots services. Under the centrally sponsored Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, Punjab exceeded its target beneficiaries, and new Anganwadi Centres are being developed with modern facilities.
Emphasising inclusive growth, the minister said ₹1,943 crore in post-matric scholarships has been disbursed and pending dues cleared to secure students’ futures. Adoption services and child protection efforts under Mission Jeevanjyot have been expanded, while financial assistance schemes for dependent children, persons with disabilities and acid attack victims have been enhanced. Dr Baljit Kaur reiterated that the government led by Bhagwant Mann remains committed to delivering welfare benefits with dignity, transparency and equal opportunity for all citizens.
