Chandigarh, March 2025: Chandigarh MP Shri Manish Tewari strongly voiced the concerns of social security pensioners in the Lok Sabha, questioning why pension amounts have remained unchanged since 2016. Despite rising inflation and higher pension rates in neighboring states, Chandigarh pensioners continue to struggle without financial relief.
No Increase in Pension Since 2016: Government Confirms
Responding in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister of State B.L. Verma admitted that pensions for the elderly, widows, and disabled individuals in Chandigarh have not been increased since 2016. However, he clarified that the Central Government currently has no plans to revise the pension amounts. At present, 18,648 senior citizens, 11,836 widows, and 5,992 disabled individuals in Chandigarh rely on these minimal pensions, which are insufficient for a dignified livelihood.
Chandigarh Administration Did Not Send a Proposal
Minister B.L. Verma further revealed that the Chandigarh administration never submitted a proposal for increasing pension amounts, contradicting its previous claims. This revelation suggests that the administration misled the public regarding pension revisions.
Congress Slams Government’s Indifference
Chandigarh Congress President H.S. Lucky sharply criticized the Central Government, stating, “For the past nine years, pensioners have been ignored. The Chandigarh administration lied to the people by claiming that a proposal was sent when, in reality, no such proposal existed. The Modi government is prioritizing loan waivers for industrialists while neglecting the poor and vulnerable.”
Chandigarh Congress District President Surjit Dhillon also condemned both the Central Government and the administration, questioning, “If Haryana and Punjab can raise pensions to ₹2,500–₹3,000, why can’t Chandigarh? Are Chandigarh’s pensioners second-class citizens? The administration is misleading the public.” He warned of street protests if pensions are not increased soon.
Manimajra Block Congress President Sanjeev Gaba added, “Not a single rupee has been increased since 2016, despite inflation tripling. This is sheer injustice to the poor.”
Congress Demands Immediate Pension Hike
The Chandigarh Congress has warned the Central Government that if this issue remains unresolved, mass protests will follow. The party is demanding that pension amounts in Chandigarh be immediately increased to at least ₹3,000.
