Pension Delays Crippling 35 Lakh Vulnerable Citizens in Punjab; Release Dues and Honor ₹2500 Promise: Pargat Singh
Senior Congress leader and MLA Pargat Singh today slammed the Bhagwant Mann-led government over the "alarming and deeply concerning" reports that nearly 3.53 million beneficiaries—including the elderly, widows, and persons with disabilities—have been deprived of their social security pensions between October and December 2025.
City Air News
Mar 6, 2026 07:47
0
Chandigarh, March 6, 2026: Senior Congress leader and MLA Pargat Singh today slammed the Bhagwant Mann-led government over the "alarming and deeply concerning" reports that nearly 3.53 million beneficiaries—including the elderly, widows, and persons with disabilities—have been deprived of their social security pensions between October and December 2025.
Pargat Singh emphasized that social security pensions are a fundamental right and a lifeline for the state’s most vulnerable sections, not a "favour" from the government. "Thousands of our citizens depend on this meagre assistance for their daily survival. A three-month delay is not just a clerical lapse; it is a severe hardship imposed on those who are already struggling," Singh stated.
The MLA took a sharp swipe at the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) pre-poll guarantees. He noted that while the AAP promised to increase the old-age pension to ₹2500 per month, they have failed to even distribute the existing, smaller amount regularly.
"This raises serious questions about the government’s commitment to welfare. The Bhagwant Mann administration must stop making excuses and fulfill its manifesto promise by immediately increasing the pension by ₹1000 to reach the promised ₹2500 mark," he added.
"The people of Punjab expect accountability and compassion, not hollow rhetoric. The government must act now so that no beneficiary is left without support," Singh concluded.
