DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is taking significant measures to ensure the welfare and dignity of the elderly. In a commendable initiative, a special verification drive titled 'Sadde Buzurg Sadda Maan' was conducted to identify deceased pension beneficiaries and streamline the distribution of pensions to the rightful recipients.

Announcing this today, Dr. Baljit Kaur, Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, informed that through this extensive survey, 67,852 deceased pensioners were identified, in whose accounts approximately Rs 252 crore had accumulated over time. Out of this amount, an impressive Rs 166 crore has already been recovered with the active cooperation of District Social Security Officers and banks.

The Minister directed the officials to expedite the recovery of the remaining Rs 86 crore and ensure that these recovered funds are utilized to extend pension benefits to other eligible beneficiaries in a timely and transparent manner.

Dr. Baljit Kaur further shared that around 35 lakh elderly persons, widows, destitute children, and persons with disabilities in Punjab are currently receiving a monthly pension of Rs 1500 directly into their bank accounts. She lauded the commitment and diligent efforts of departmental officers and Anganwadi supervisors, who visited households to collect accurate information regarding pensioners' welfare and status.

On this occasion, Dr. Baljit Kaur also highlighted that the government is committed to providing pensions to every eligible beneficiary under its social security schemes. Notably, during the current financial year up to May 2025, applications for 43,644 new eligible beneficiaries have been approved for pension disbursement. The Minister instructed departmental officials to ensure that pensions are provided to eligible beneficiaries transparently and without delay.

Reiterating the government's commitment to transparency and accountability, Dr. Kaur mentioned that the M-Sewa app was effectively deployed during the survey to facilitate real-time data collection and monitoring. She assured that such welfare initiatives and verification surveys will be conducted regularly to ensure the rightful distribution of government benefits to the people of Punjab.

Appreciating the active coordination among district authorities, banks, and the Department of Social Security, the Minister directed the officials to maintain the pace of pending recoveries and continue their dedicated service for the welfare of the elderly and marginalized sections of society.

(editor@dailyworld.in)