‘Pensions delayed by 3 months, people suffered’: Pargat slams AAP govt

Chandigarh: The Congress MLA from Jalandhar Cantonment, Pargat Singh, on Friday criticised the CM Bhagwant Mann-led govt, alleging that nearly 35 lakh beneficiaries, including the elderly, widows and persons with disabilities, were deprived of social security pensions between Oct and Dec 2025.Speaking to media outside the assembly complex, Pargat said social security pensions served as a crucial support to some of the most vulnerable sections of society and should not be treated as a favour by govt. "Thousands of people depend on this modest assistance for daily survival. A delay of three months is not merely an administrative lapse; it places an additional burden on those who are already struggling," he said.Taking a swipe at the pre-poll assurances made by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Pargat pointed out that the party promised to raise the old-age pension to Rs 2,500 per month, but failed to ensure the regular disbursal of the existing pension. "This raises serious questions about the govt's commitment to welfare. The Bhagwant Mann govt must stop offering excuses and honour its promise by increasing the pension by Rs 1,000 so that it reaches the promised level of Rs 2,500," he added.