Over 24 Lakh Senior Citizens Benefiting: Dr. Baljit Kaur
Chandigarh: Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur today said that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, has already released ₹1,785.29 crore during the current financial year (2026-27) under the Old Age Pension Scheme as part of the ‘Sade Bazurg Sada Maan’ campaign. She said the sustained financial assistance reflects the State Government’s unwavering resolve to provide social security and financial stability to senior citizens, enabling them to lead their lives with dignity and independence.
Sharing further details, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that more than 24 lakh senior citizens are currently benefiting from the Old Age Pension Scheme. To ensure uninterrupted and timely disbursement of pensions, the Punjab Government has earmarked ₹4,000 crore for the scheme in the Budget for the financial year 2026-27. Every eligible beneficiary receives a monthly pension of ₹1,500, helping elderly citizens meet their basic needs with confidence and security.
The Cabinet Minister informed that men aged 65 years and above and women aged 58 years and above are eligible to avail the benefit, provided their annual income from all sources does not exceed ₹60,000. She further stated that an applicant should not own more than 2.5 acres of irrigated (canal) land or more than 5 acres of barani land, in accordance with the prescribed eligibility criteria.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the Punjab Government considers its senior citizens to be the invaluable strength of society and is continuously expanding citizen-centric welfare initiatives to enhance their quality of life. She added that the Government is focused on strengthening the social security framework so that every elderly citizen can live with confidence, self-respect and economic security.
Reiterating that the welfare of senior citizens remains a top priority of the Punjab Government, Dr. Baljit Kaur directed all concerned officials to ensure that no eligible beneficiary is deprived of the benefits of the Old Age Pension Scheme. She also instructed that pensions must be released strictly within the prescribed timeline and warned that any negligence or avoidable delay in disbursement would be viewed seriously.
