Elderly citizens receive timely pensions, Financial worries eased

Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): Special attention is being given to the welfare of senior citizens in Punjab, with a strong focus on ensuring timely financial support. Across the state, pensions are being credited on time, providing muchneeded relief and stability to elderly citizens. At present, approximately 34.40 lakh beneficiaries are receiving a monthly pension of significantly easing their financial burden.

For senior citizens, the pension amount serves not merely as a monetary benefit but as a crucial source of livelihood. Clear directions have been issued to ensure that pensions reach beneficiaries without delay, preventing any inconvenience to the elderly. As a result of the effective implementation of social welfare schemes, 43,644 new pension applications have been approved in Punjab during the financial year 2025-26.

To ensure that no eligible elderly citizen is left out, a comprehensive survey is being conducted across the state under the 'Our Elders, Our Pride' campaign. Through this initiative, efforts are being made to extend pension benefits to every deserving senior citizen. Continuous measures are also being undertaken to monitor social security schemes and guarantee the timely delivery of benefits to eligible beneficiaries.

Alongside financial support, special emphasis is being placed on the health and overall well-being of the elderly. In this direction, the Punjab Government formally launched the state-level campaign 'Saade Buzurg, Sada Maan' from District SAS Nagar (Mohali) on January 16. The campaign aims to ensure the welfare, security, and dignified life of senior citizens, while encouraging their maximum participation across the state.

The primary objective of the 'Saade Buzurg, Sada Maan' initiative is to connect senior citizens with essential healthcare services, legal awareness programmes, and government welfare schemes, enabling them to live safely and with dignity. The campaign is being implemented under the State Action Plan for Senior Citizens for the financial year 2025—26.