Chandigarh, September 4, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur on Friday said more than 36 lakh beneficiaries across the state are currently receiving assistance under various social security and welfare schemes, with over ₹2,697.44 crore transferred directly into their bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said the Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is focused on strengthening social and economic security for vulnerable sections of society and ensuring that eligible citizens receive timely assistance to live with dignity and financial independence.
She said welfare schemes, including the Old Age Pension Scheme, have benefited lakhs of people across Punjab. The direct transfer of funds into beneficiaries’ bank accounts, she added, is aimed at ensuring transparent, timely and hassle-free delivery of financial assistance.
The minister said the extensive coverage of more than 36 lakh beneficiaries reflects the government’s efforts to ensure that welfare programmes reach deserving households without discrimination and strengthen the state’s social protection system.
She further said the Punjab Government has earmarked ₹6,131.91 crore for various Social Security schemes during the financial year 2026-27. The allocation is intended to provide sustained financial support to senior citizens, widows, persons with disabilities, dependent children and other vulnerable sections of society.
Dr. Baljit Kaur said social security extends beyond financial assistance, describing it as a means of providing confidence and stability to vulnerable families while enabling them to live with self-respect and dignity.
The minister also directed officials to ensure that no eligible beneficiary is excluded from welfare schemes. She instructed officers to proactively identify deserving individuals, process eligible cases within stipulated timelines and ensure effective implementation of welfare programmes at the grassroots level.
She stressed that implementation must be carried out with transparency, accountability and sensitivity so that government assistance reaches beneficiaries without unnecessary delays.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to inclusive development, Dr. Baljit Kaur said Punjab would continue to strengthen people-centric welfare initiatives aimed at building a more equitable and prosperous state where development reaches all sections of society and every eligible citizen has access to social security.
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