Pension Delays in Punjab Affect Vulnerable Families
Ajit Kaur, a widow from Lalchian village in Ferozepur, has been struggling alongside her 15-year-old disabled grandson, Jasbir Singh. For the past month, they have been tirelessly seeking financial assistance to cover Jasbir’s essential living and medical expenses.
Despite being registered for both widow’s and disability pensions, they haven’t received any payments since October. “We’re forced to borrow money to get by,” Ajit shared, expressing her distress.
They are part of a larger group, approximately 35.27 million Social Security pension recipients in the state, facing delays in their payments attributed to the government’s financial issues.
A senior official from the Treasury Department explained that the state’s dwindling cash reserves are hindering timely pension disbursements. Each month, the national exchequer allocates Rs 529 million for pension payments. This supports around 23.39 million elderly individuals, plus widows, disabled persons, and destitute children, each entitled to Rs 1,500 monthly.
In the lead-up to the 2020 Vidhan Sabha elections, the AAP had pledged to raise the pension to Rs 2,500 per beneficiary. However, due to ongoing financial challenges, the increase hasn’t materialized.
Ujjagar Singh, an 80-year-old resident of Nadampur village, along with his 75-year-old wife, Sukhwinder Kaur, expressed their preference for receiving consistent payments rather than sporadic increases. “The government needs to understand that many elderly pensioners, particularly in rural areas, rely solely on this income. It’s quite embarrassing to repeatedly ask family for help when pensions are delayed,” Ujjagar remarked.
In response, Punjab’s Social Security Minister Baljit Kaur acknowledged the delays but assured that payments are now being processed. “Yesterday, we disbursed pensions for people with disabilities. Today, we’re focusing on old age, widow, and benefits for impoverished children,” she confirmed.
Additionally, the minister announced the launch of a state-level initiative called ‘Sade Buzurg Sada Maan’ starting January 16. This campaign aims to provide various healthcare services, including eye and ENT check-ups, cataract screenings, eyeglasses, and Ayushman cards. The campaign is set to be organized again throughout the state.
