Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh

Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur on Thursday said the state government has released ₹1,785.29 crore under the Old Age Pension Scheme during the current financial year 2026-27 as part of the ‘Sade Bazurg Sada Maan’ campaign.

Dr. Baljit Kaur said the financial assistance reflects the Punjab Government's commitment to ensuring social security and financial stability for senior citizens, enabling them to live with dignity and independence.

According to the minister, more than 24 lakh senior citizens are currently benefiting from the Old Age Pension Scheme. The government has allocated ₹4,000 crore for the scheme in the 2026-27 Budget to ensure timely and uninterrupted pension payments.

Under the scheme, every eligible beneficiary receives a monthly pension of ₹1,500.

Dr. Baljit Kaur said men aged 65 years and above and women aged 58 years and above are eligible for the pension, provided their annual income from all sources does not exceed ₹60,000.

Applicants must also meet the prescribed landholding criteria. They should not own more than 2.5 acres of irrigated land or more than 5 acres of barani land.

The minister said senior citizens are an invaluable strength of society and the government is continuously strengthening welfare and social security initiatives aimed at improving their quality of life.

She directed officials to ensure that no eligible beneficiary is deprived of the pension scheme's benefits. Officials were also instructed to release pensions strictly within the prescribed timelines. Dr. Baljit Kaur warned that negligence or avoidable delays in disbursement would be viewed seriously.

The minister reiterated that the welfare and economic security of senior citizens remain among the Punjab Government's key priorities.