Government Directs NIC to Help Pensioners Submit Digital Life Certificates

In order to spare the pensioners from the trouble of visiting banks for submission of life certificates annually, the Centre had in November last year launched an Aadhaar-based biometric verification system 'Jeevan Pramaan'.

The system enables pensioners to submit the digital life certificate online to pension disbursing banks.

"NIC centres across various states and districts are being directed by the Department of Electronics and Information Technology to provide necessary technical support for starting enrolment of pensioners for digital life certificate," the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions said in an order.

In view of the immense advantages of using Aadhaar numbers, pensioners' associations are requested to disseminate information about Jeevan Pramaan amongst pensioners.

They have also been asked to collaborate in making it a success by facilitating registration of pensioners on Jeevan Pramaan portal using Aadhaar based authentication for organising enrolment activities, the order said.

With the help of the facility, which is in addition to the other already existing methods, it is possible to submit the life certificate from personal computers, laptops or mobile phones or by visiting a conveniently located branch of any bank or a common service centre, the Ministry said.

"A pensioner or family pensioner who wants to benefit from this facility needs to obtain an Aadhaar number and get it linked to his or her Pension Payment Order (PPO) number and pension account. This will also speed up commencement of family pension in the event of death of pensioner or spouse," it said.

There are about 55 lakh central government pensioners.