Punjab govt releases Rs 224.70 cr to clear pensions

The Punjab government has released Rs 224.70 crore to clear pensions under different social welfare schemes for February and March.
The fund was released by the state finance department on the directive of Chief Minister Amarinder Singh.
It will be used by the social security department for disbursement of pensions to the elderly, disabled, destitute and widows, an official spokesperson said.
To ensure that only genuine persons get the benefit of pension, a verification was initiated in April, he said.
The chief minister had ordered re-verification of the list of beneficiaries in March to weed out fake names, the spokesperson said.

"Amarinder has made it clear to all departments and officials concerned that laxity will not be tolerated," the spokesperson said.

In line with the promises made in the Congress's poll manifesto, the Amarinder government has taken various initiatives for the social uplift of people, he said.
These include enhancement of old age, disabled, destitute and widow pension from Rs 500 to Rs 750 per month, the spokesperson said.
"Besides, the government is constantly monitoring the process of payment to ensure that disbursement is done in a regular and timely manner.
"The chief secretary has been entrusted with the task of keeping tab on the entire process to prevent any harassment to the underprivileged because of official apathy," the spokesperson said.