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Haryana CM Denies Pension Scheme Cancellation

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, February 27th 2026 at 12:09 GMT by rediff.com
      Locales: Haryana, INDIA

Chandigarh, Haryana - February 27th, 2026 - Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar today vehemently refuted claims circulating widely across social media and certain news outlets alleging the cancellation of pension schemes for senior citizens and farmers within the state. Speaking at a large public rally in Rohtak, Khattar characterized the reports as "utterly false," "fabricated," and "a deliberate attempt to mislead the people of Haryana."

These allegations, which gained traction earlier this week, sparked considerable anxiety amongst pensioners and agricultural communities. Rumors suggested the state government, facing budgetary pressures linked to increased infrastructure spending and recent climate resilience initiatives, was considering slashing or eliminating key social welfare programs. The claims quickly spread through WhatsApp groups and online platforms, fueled by screenshots of what appeared to be internal government memos - later debunked by the state's IT department as digitally altered.

"Let me be absolutely clear," Khattar stated, addressing the crowd. "Our government has not, and will not, take any action to curtail or cancel pension schemes for our senior citizens or our hardworking farmers. These reports are politically motivated, designed to create unrest and damage the trust the people have placed in us."

The Chief Minister detailed the government's ongoing commitment to social security, pointing to recent expansions in the coverage of the Old Age Pension Yojana and the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Kisan Samridhi Yojana. He noted a significant increase in the number of beneficiaries over the last five years, attributing this to improved targeting mechanisms and enhanced outreach programs.

"We understand the vital role these pensions play in the lives of our vulnerable citizens," Khattar explained. "They are not simply financial handouts; they are a lifeline that ensures dignity and a basic standard of living, especially in these challenging economic times."

He specifically addressed concerns regarding potential eligibility criteria changes, stating that while the government regularly reviews programs to ensure efficiency and prevent misuse, any adjustments would be implemented transparently and with ample public notice. "We will always prioritize the needs of our citizens, and any policy changes will be made in consultation with stakeholders and through proper legislative channels," he assured the audience.

The CM launched a sharp criticism of the media, urging responsible reporting and thorough fact-checking before disseminating information. "The media has a crucial role to play in informing the public, but that role comes with a responsibility. Sensationalism and the spread of misinformation erode public trust and can have serious consequences," he said. "I implore all journalists to verify information from reliable sources before publishing it."

Political analysts suggest the pension rumors originated from opposition parties attempting to capitalize on growing concerns about the rising cost of living and perceived disparities in wealth distribution. Several opposition leaders have been vocal in their criticism of the government's economic policies, claiming they disproportionately benefit large corporations at the expense of ordinary citizens.

The controversy comes at a sensitive time for the Haryana government, as it prepares for upcoming local elections. Observers believe the opposition is attempting to exploit anxieties surrounding social welfare programs to galvanize support and gain a political advantage. The government has initiated a public awareness campaign through social media and local newspapers, aiming to counter the misinformation and highlight the benefits of its existing pension schemes. They have also set up a dedicated helpline for citizens to report false information and verify the status of their pensions.

Going forward, the Haryana government has indicated it will be exploring legal avenues to address the spread of fabricated information. Experts suggest that stronger regulations regarding online content and increased media literacy initiatives are crucial to combat the growing problem of misinformation in the digital age. The state's commitment to proactive communication and transparent governance will be vital in restoring public trust and ensuring the continued support of its vulnerable populations.