CHANDIGARH: In a significant move directed by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Social Security, Women and Child Development Department has recovered ₹145.73 crores from 2.44 lakh deceased and ineligible beneficiaries under the State Pension Scheme. This recovery follows a comprehensive survey conducted by the department to verify the existence of beneficiaries across the state.
Dr. Baljit Kaur, the Minister of Social Security, Women and Child Development, emphasized the Punjab government's commitment to ensuring the rightful disbursement of pensions. The state has disbursed ₹2505.52 crores to 33.58 lakh beneficiaries under the pension scheme during the current year 2024-25. The monthly pension of ₹1500 is provided to the elderly, widows, dependent children, and the disabled, reflecting the government's dedication to social welfare.
During the tenure of the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, according to the survey report, during the financial year 2022-23, 122908 beneficiaries were found to be ineligible and deceased, leading to the recovery of Rs 77.91 crore. Similarly, in the financial year 2023-24, 107571 beneficiaries were identified as ineligible and deceased, resulting in a recovery of Rs 41.22 crore. During finacial year 2024-25, as of July 2024, Rs 26.59 crore is recovered from 14160 ineligible and deceased beneficiaries.
Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized the Punjab Government's commitment to the welfare of its citizens, with a budget provision of ₹5924.50 crore allocated for the State Pension Scheme for the financial year 2024-25. She reassured that the Government is working tirelessly to ensure that the benefits of the pension scheme reach all deserving individuals.
Dr. Baljit Kaur added that Rs 145.73 crore was recovered from a total of 244639 beneficiaries. Among them Rs 10.54 crores from 17851 beneficiaries in Amritsar, Rs 4.27 crores from 6770 beneficiaries in Barnala, Rs 3.44 crores from 19590 beneficiaries in Bathinda, Rs 2.10 crores from 5984 beneficiaries in Fatehgarh Sahib, Rs 3.39 crores from 6081 beneficiaries in Faridkot, Rs 7.00 crore from 7024 beneficiaries in Ferozepur, Rs 5.59 crore from 10596 beneficiaries in Fazilka, Rs 15.85 crore from 13799 beneficiaries in Gurdaspur, Rs 7.09 crore from 12317 beneficiaries in Hoshiarpur, Rs 4.40 crore from 20434 beneficiaries in Jalandhar and Rs 4.15 crore was recovered from 7729 Beneficiaries in Kapurthala.
Apart from this Rs 6.72 crores was recovered from 18088 beneficiaries in Ludhiana, Rs. 2.41 crores from 11991 beneficiaries in Sri Muktsar Sahib, Rs. 14.42 crores from 10054 beneficiaries in Moga, Rs. 2.70 crores from 8260 beneficiaries in Mansa, Rs 3.65 crores from 12204 beneficiaries in SBS Nagar, Rs 3.05 crores from 2918 beneficiaries in Pathankot, Rs 10.61 crores from 24316 beneficiaries in Patiala, Rs 1.15 crores from 4751 beneficiaries in Rupnagar, Rs 21.46 crores from 7888 beneficiaries in Sangrur, Rs 1.59 crore from 4808 beneficiaries in SAS Nagar and Rs 10.06 crore was recovered from 11186 beneficiaries in Tarn Taran.
She also reiterated that strict instructions have been given to department officials to ensure the timely and accurate distribution of pensions. The Punjab Government, under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, continues to work diligently to provide a transparent and efficient administration for the betterment of its citizens.