Punjab disbursed Rs 16,847 crore in social aid

The Punjab government has distributed a total of Rs 16,847.83 crore in financial aid through various social security programs. This was announced by Dr. Baljit Kaur, the Minister for Social Security, Women, and Child Development, on Saturday. Out of this amount, Rs 11,310.33 crore was given under the Old Age Pension Scheme. In the fiscal year 2022-23, Rs 3,651.08 crore supported 21.26 lakh beneficiaries. For the fiscal year 2023-24, the government allocated Rs 3,950.68 crore for 22.11 lakh beneficiaries, and Rs 3,708.57 crore for 22.64 lakh beneficiaries in FY 2024-25. The Punjab government also provided Rs 3,140.62 crore to aid widows and destitute women. In FY 2022-23, Rs 1,013.07 crore benefited 5.84 lakh women. For FY 2023-24, Rs 1,084.92 crore was distributed to 6.11 lakh women, while Rs 1,042.63 crore was allocated for 6.47 lakh beneficiaries in FY 2024-25. Additionally, Rs 1,077.41 crore was provided for the welfare of destitute children, and Rs 1,319.47 crore for people with disabilities. Dr. Kaur emphasized the government's commitment to the well-being of senior citizens, stating that these initiatives aim to create a prosperous and progressive Punjab.