“Senior citizens are the valuable assets of our society and it is the prime duty of every citizen and elected government to take proper care of our elders in their advanced age. Realizing this duty the Punjab Government has increased the old age pension to R s. 750 per month”. It was said by Razia Sultana while talking to the delegation of the Federation of Senior Citizens’ Association Punjab who called on the Minister to extend their gratitude towards the Punjab Government for substantial enhancement in the old age pension. The Minister said that instructions to the district authorities have already been issued whereby they have been asked to ensure the proper implementation of the all the Acts passed and other Notification issued by the Punjab Government concerning senior citizens. She said that the Government is duty bound to fulfill all the promises made to the public. She said that in its maiden budget the Congress Government has made an outlay of Rs. 3604.65 crore for the Social Security Sector which is 9.50% higher than last year.
The old age pension was increased from Rs. 500 to Rs. 750. She said that despite having been taken this welcome step, the Punjab Government is fully aware that that due to the age factor, health problems and physical insecurity, old age persons are the most vulnerable section of the society. She said that Social Security Department would ensure that all the Acts passed and other Notification issued by the Punjab Government concerning senior citizens and old age persons are implemented in its true sense.During the meeting Dr. A. S. Khehra, Chairman (Ex Vice Chancellor, PAU) and Mr. S.P. Karkara, President (IAS, Retd.) of the Federation of Senior Citizens’ Association Punjab also brought to the notice of the Social Security Minister various issues which are pending with the State Government since many years. Mrs. Razia Sultana assured them to look into all their pending issues and if need be she will take up this issue with the Chief Minister, Captain Amarinder Singh to fulfill all the genuine demands within stipulated time frame.