Social security beneficiaries reduced in Haryana Budget: Sampat

Senior Congress leader and former Finance Minister Sampat Singh has accused the state government of reducing the number of social security beneficiaries in the Budget for 2025–26, instead of increasing monthly pensions and honorariums.

In a statement here today, he claimed the number of beneficiaries receiving old age Samman pension, as well as financial assistance for widows, destitute women, children, and persons with disabilities, has dropped from 36,46,742 as of March 25 to 35,96,944.

He said from 2014 to 2019, the pension amount was increased yearly. However, the current budget included no such provision. Given the rising cost of living, the pension and financial assistance should be increased by at least Rs 1,000 per month, he demanded.

Addressing the issue of scholarships, Sampat Singh said despite a budgetary provision of Rs 114.25 crore under the PM Yashasvi and PM-Ajay schemes, students from economically weaker sections, including OBC, EBC, and DNT categories, had not received any scholarships. Additionally, Rs 38 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Scheduled Caste Abhyudaya Yojana (PM-Ajay) had not been released, despite a total allocation of Rs 38.40 crore for scholarships and financial aid to Scheduled Caste students, he added.

Singh also raised concerns about underutilised funds meant for housing and residential improvements. While Rs 200 crore was allocated for the Dr BR Ambedkar Residential Renovation Scheme, only Rs 15 crore had been spent. He urged the immediate release of the remaining funds to benefit the intended students.

Furthermore, he criticized the government for allegedly not spending any of the allocated Rs 250 crore and Rs 492 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and the Mukhyamantri Shahri Awas Yojana, respectively, which were earmarked for housing support to urban poor and SCs.

Singh concluded by accusing the BJP government of exploiting the poor and marginalized for votes while failing to deliver on welfare promises.

Haryana Tribune