Reaffirming the Punjab Government's unwavering commitment to ensuring dignity, financial security and a life of respect for senior citizens, Punjab's Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur, today said that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Government has released ₹1,423.33 crore under the Old-Age Pension Scheme during the current financial year 2026-27.
Sharing further details, Dr. Baljit Kaur said the Punjab Government firmly believes that senior citizens are the greatest strength of our families and the foundation of society. Ensuring their safety, financial security and a dignified life is one of the Government's foremost responsibilities. She informed that nearly 23.77 lakh senior citizens across the State are currently benefiting under the Old-Age Pension Scheme, making it one of Punjab's largest and most impactful social welfare initiatives.
The Cabinet Minister further informed that the State Government has earmarked ₹4,000 crore for the Old-Age Pension Scheme in the current financial year to ensure uninterrupted and timely financial assistance to all eligible beneficiaries. Dr. Baljit Kaur directed all District Social Security Officers and other departmental officials to ensure that pension benefits reach every eligible senior citizen without delay.
She instructed the officers to process fresh applications in a transparent and time-bound manner, resolve grievances promptly and make sustained efforts to ensure that no eligible elderly person is deprived of the benefits of the scheme due to lack of awareness or administrative delays. Highlighting Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann's vision, Dr. Baljit Kaur said the Government is working tirelessly to build a 'Rangla Punjab' where every senior citizen feels secure, respected and cared for.
She added that the welfare of senior citizens remains one of the top priorities of the Mann Government, which is continuously strengthening the State's social security network. The Minister clarified that permanent residents of Punjab are eligible to avail benefits under the Old-Age Pension Scheme subject to the prescribed conditions.
Under the scheme, men aged 65 years or above and women aged 58 years or above are eligible, provided their annual income from all sources does not exceed ₹60,000. She appealed to all eligible senior citizens who have not yet enrolled under the scheme to contact the concerned authorities and avail themselves of this important social security benefit.
Reiterating the Government's commitment, Dr. Baljit Kaur said the Mann Government will continue implementing people-centric welfare schemes with dedication so that Punjab's senior citizens can spend their golden years with dignity, self-reliance and peace of mind.