Punjab Government Recovers Rs 145.73 Crore from Ineligible Pension Scheme Beneficiaries

The Bhagwant Mann government of Punjab is continuously working to improve the lives of the people of the state. For this, many schemes are also being run by the Mann government in the state. Under this, on the instructions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, a comprehensive survey was conducted by the department to confirm the existence of the beneficiaries of the scheme in the state under the State Pension Scheme. After this, Rs 145.73 crore was recovered from 2.44 lakh deceased and ineligible beneficiaries of the state. This information has been given by the State Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur.

Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur said that during the year 2024-25, Rs 2505.52 crore has been distributed to 33.58 lakh beneficiaries under the pension scheme in the state. Under this scheme, elderly, widows, dependent children and disabled are given a pension of Rs 1500 every month. The Cabinet Minister said that a survey was conducted by the Punjab Government to ensure the correct use of the pension.

According to the survey report, 12,2908 beneficiaries were found ineligible and deceased during the financial year 2022-23. This led to the recovery of Rs 77.91 crore. Similarly, 10,7571 beneficiaries were identified as ineligible and deceased in the financial year 2023-24, which led to the recovery of Rs 41.22 crore. During the financial year 2024-25, Rs 26.59 crore has been recovered from 14,160 ineligible and deceased beneficiaries till July 2024.