Chandigarh: The Punjab government has released Rs 1,423.33 crore under the old-age pension scheme so far in the current financial year, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Baljit Kaur said on Sunday.

She said around 23.77 lakh senior citizens across the state are receiving financial assistance under the scheme, which is among Punjab's largest social welfare programmes.

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The minister said the state government has earmarked Rs 4,000 crore for the pension scheme in the current financial year to ensure uninterrupted and timely disbursement of pensions to eligible beneficiaries.

Kaur directed district social security officers and other officials to ensure that no eligible senior citizen is deprived of pension benefits.

She also asked officials to process fresh applications in a transparent and time-bound manner, address grievances promptly and spread awareness about the scheme.

The minister said the Bhagwant Mann-led government is committed to ensuring dignity, financial security and social protection for senior citizens.

According to her, permanent residents of Punjab are eligible for the pension scheme subject to prescribed conditions. Men aged 65 years or above and women aged 58 years or above can avail the benefit if their annual income from all sources does not exceed Rs 60,000.

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She appealed to eligible senior citizens who have not yet enrolled under the scheme to approach the concerned authorities and avail themselves of the benefit.

Kaur said the government would continue implementing welfare schemes aimed at improving the quality of life of senior citizens and strengthening the state's social security network.