10309 - Pensioners Need Not Go To Banks To Give Proof Of Life - NDTV

Pensioners Need Not Go To Banks To Give Proof Of Life

All India | Press Trust of India | Updated: August 04, 2016 16:49 IST

The are about 58 lakh central government pensioners. (Representational Photo)

NEW DELHI:  Pensioners need not visit banks to give proof of their life for continuation of pension, the centre informed the Rajya Sabha today.

There is no procedural complication in the disbursement of pension or family pension of a central government pensioner or family pensioners. It is credited regularly to their pension account and it does not require the pensioners' physical presence in the pension disbursing bank, Minister of State for Personnel, Public grievances and Pensions Jitendra Singh said in a written reply.

"Further, a pensioner or family pensioner need not visit the bank even for submitting life certificate, which can either be submitted online through Aadhaar-based biometric authentication or be signed by a person designated by the government for this purpose," he said.

In case a pensioner sends intimation about his serious illness or incapacitation supported by a medical certificate, a nominee of the paying branch of the bank visits the pensioner at home or hospital for recording his life certificate, Mr Singh said.

The are about 58 lakh central government pensioners.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had in November 2014, launched 'Jeevan Pramaan' -- an Aadhaar-based digital life certificate for pensioners.

The certification was launched to do away with the requirement of a pensioner having to submit a physical life certificate each year, in order to ensure continuity of his or her pension.

10097 - Give priority to pensioners for seeding Aadhaar, Jitendra Singh to banks - First Post

Give priority to pensioners for seeding Aadhaar, Jitendra Singh to banks

PTI  Jun 3, 2016 16:30 IST

New Delhi: All banks have been asked to give priority to pensioners visiting their branches for seeding of Aadhaar numbers with their bank accounts, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said on Friday.

He said special camps are being held to facilitate recording of Aadhaar numbers in pensioners' accounts till 10 June in pension disbursing banks and their branches all across the country.

He said pensioners can approach their paying branches with the Pension Payment Order (PPO), Aadhaar card and bank pass book for trouble-free seeding.

Singh, Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, said it is hoped that a large number of pensioners will benefit from the camps.

"So as to reach the pensioners and family pensioners located in the remotest corners of the country, this event will be publicised through radio jingles, hand bills, local cable TV network etc.," he said.

Various steps are being taken by the government and pension disbursing banks to sensitise pensioners and bank branches to link up Aadhaar number, PPO number and bank account number so that all pensioners can avail the 'Jeevan Pramaan' facility.

Jeevan Pramaan is an initiative launched by the Department of Pension and Pensioners' Welfare, for the benefit of aged and infirm pensioners or family pensioners.

"Under the scheme, digital life certificates can be submitted by pensioners from personal computers and laptops at home or by visiting a conveniently located common service centre or the nearest branch of any pension disbursing bank," a press release issued by Personnel Ministry said.

"Submission of digital life certificate also ensures authenticity of pension payments. So far, more than 15 lakh certificates have been attempted," the release said.

There are 58 lakh central government pensioners. Meanwhile, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), which issues Aadhaar--a 12-digit unique identification number--which acts as a proof of identity and address, anywhere in the country, has launched a special enrolment drive for pensioners.

The drive, being conducted till June 10, will enable pensioners avail the convenience of Jeevan Pramaan.

9648 - Aadhaar Mandatory For Central Pensioners Bank Accounts - Sen Times

Aadhaar Mandatory For Central Pensioners Bank Accounts

New Delhi: The Central government made Aadhaar mandatory for central government pensioners, Accordingly, it has launched a massive exercise to encourage them to seed their bank accounts with Aadhaar numbers.

The Aadhar card is mandatory for availing central government pensions.

Every central government pensioners has started receiving a telephone call or a postcard from their bank managers appealing to them to do so.

District Collectors across the country have been roped in for the exercise by the Union Ministry of Personnel.

Last week, the Central government held a video-conference with 200 collectors and asked them to convene a special meeting with all bank branch managers.

The bank managers started calling central government pensioners from Tuesday, who draw pension from their respective banks, appealing to them to voluntarily seed their existing Aadhaar numbers in the pension accounts while explaining the benefits of the step.

Once the seeding happens, the pensioner can online submit a ‘Jeevan Praman’ certificate annually to the bank to renew his pension, instead of physically making the trip to the bank to prove that he is alive.

‘Jeevan Praman’ is a pet project of Modi launched in 2014. “14 lakh central government pensioners have seeded their pension accounts with an Aadhaar number but there are 44 lakh central government pensioners.

Our aim is to speak to all 640-odd DCs in the country by video-conference in the next couple of months to exhort them to get bank managers on board and achieve 100% seeding of all pension accounts with Aadhaar in the next 4-5 months,” a senior government official with Ministry of Personnel said.

Bank managers are being asked to either personally call on the mobile phone or landline number of the pensioner or send him or her a postcard or SMS with the appeal.

DMs have been asked to submit a report to the Centre on the exercise on March 29 and a review is scheduled for April 2.

Parliament had earlier this month passed the Aadhar bill, making an Aadhaar number mandatory for availing public services under the direct benefit transfer mechanism.

“Jeevan Praman or a digital life certificate is also a service for pensioners on basis of Aadhaar but we are keeping it voluntary so far. It’s in benefit of the aged pensioners to have the facility to avoid trips to banks,” a senior official of Ministry of Personnel said.

Inputs with ET

9107 - Govt to scrap digital life certificates for pensioners

Govt to scrap digital life certificates for pensioners

New Delhi:) Barely a year of its launch by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Centre may soon scrap its ambitious online system of issuing digital life certificates to pensioners owing to privacy issues.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh today said the practice of submitting digital life certificates for continuation of pensions will soon be done away with.

Modi had in early November, last year, launched ‘Jeevan Pramaan’–an Aadhaar-based digital life certificate for pensioners. The certification was launched to do away with the requirement of a pensioner having to submit a physical life certificate each year, in order to ensure continuity of his or her pension.

Jeevan Pramaan is an optional system for the pensioners.

About 9.27 lakh pensioners have already registered for it, according to an official data.

Speaking at the inauguration of a workshop on ‘Bhavishya’, an online pension sanction and payment tracking system for central government retirees, Union Minister Jitendra Singh today said the practice of submitting digital life certificates for continuation of pensions will soon be done away with.

Singh, Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievance sand Pensions, said the pensioners have assumed priority since there are more pensioners now than serving employees. This has come about due to rising life expectancy, he said.

Earlier, during the programme, Secretary in Department of Pensions and Pensioners’ Welfare, Devendra Chaudhary said there are some privacy issues concerning the digital life certification.

“There is another issue of digital life certification.

There are some problems as I mentioned in earlier occasions, there are some issues with respect to the issues of privacy laws and the matter is being discussed at the other forum.

“Therefore, we are taking steps, trying to even do away with the system of digital life certificate because we want to trust citizens and most of all if we can’t trust our employees…then it is sad case,” Chaudhary said.

There are about 55 lakh central government pensioners.

8582 - ‘Jeevan Pramaan’ – Banks asked to attain weekly targets -Niti Central

‘Jeevan Pramaan’ – Banks asked to attain weekly targets

AUTHOR: NITI PIB BOT - AUGUST 20, 2015

The Government has asked banks to achieve weekly targets set for the purpose of enabling “Jeevan Pramaan” – an “Aadhaar-based Digital Life Certification system for Pensioners so as to cover at least 50% in next 2-3 weeks.

Pensioners can approach their paying branches with the PPO, Aadhaar card and bank pass book for trouble-free seeding of Pensioners’ Aadhaar number in their bank account.

Various steps are being taken by the Government to sensitize pensioners and bank branches to link up the Aadhaar number, PPO number and bank account number. All pension disbursing banks observed 1st to 7th August, 2015 as ‘Aadhaar Seeding Week for Pensioners.’

All through the week, priority was given to pensioners visiting the bank branches for seeding Aadhaar number in their bank account.

Besides, five camps were organised from 13th to 17th July, 2015 at different locations covering Delhi, NOIDA and Faridabad to facilitate seeding of Aadhaar number in the bank accounts of pensioners. All banks participated in these camps. Facility was also provided by UIDAI for on-the-spot registration for Aadhaar numbers.

Conventionally, pensioners are required to give a Life Certificate to the pension disbursing authority in November, every year – either by presenting themselves before the Branch Manager or by means of a Certificate issued by a Gazetted Officer or other designated authorities.

The “Jeevan Pramaan” – an “Aadhaar-based Digital Life Certification system with an objective to facilitate on-line submission of Life Certificate by pensioners, was launched by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 10th November, 2014. This facility is in addition to the other existing methods of submitting Life Certificates. It is hoped that all pensioners who have Aadhaar numbers will make use of this additional facility of biometric life certification.

With “Jeevan Pramaan” the pensioners and family pensioners need not visit the pension disbursing agency or Gazetted/designated authority for submission of Life Certificates.

The Life Certificates may be submitted from personal computers and laptops at home or by visiting a conveniently located Common Service Centre or the nearest branch of any pension disbursing bank. There are about 55,000 branches of pension disbursing banks and 40,000 Common Service Centres throughout the country. Submission of Digital Life Certificate also ensures authenticity of pension payments.
  

8574 - 'Jeevan Pramaan', the Aadhaar-based Digital Life Certification system, for Pensioners

Delhi 

August 20, 2015 Last Updated at 14:20 IST

Jeevan Pramaan, the Aadhaar-based Digital Life Certification system, for Pensioners 

The Government has asked banks to achieve weekly targets set for the purpose of enabling Jeevan Pramaan an Aadhaar-based Digital Life Certification system for Pensioners so as to cover at least 50% in next 2-3 weeks. Pensioners can approach their paying branches with the PPO, Aadhaar card and bank pass book for trouble-free seeding of Pensioners Aadhaar number in their bank account. 

Various steps are being taken by the Government to sensitize pensioners and bank branches to link up the Aadhaar number, PPO number and bank account number. All pension disbursing banks observed 1st to 7th August, 2015 as Aadhaar Seeding Week for Pensioners. All through the week, priority was given to pensioners visiting the bank branches for seeding Aadhaar number in their bank account. Besides, five camps were organised from 13th to 17th July, 2015 at different locations covering Delhi, NOIDA and Faridabad to facilitate seeding of Aadhaar number in the bank accounts of pensioners. All banks participated in these camps. Facility was also provided by UIDAI for on-the-spot registration for Aadhaar numbers. 

Conventionally, pensioners are required to give a Life Certificate to the pension disbursing authority in November, every year either by presenting themselves before the Branch Manager or by means of a Certificate issued by a Gazetted Officer or other designated authorities. 

The Jeevan Pramaan an Aadhaar-based Digital Life Certification system with an objective to facilitate on-line submission of Life Certificate by pensioners, was launched by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 10th November, 2014. This facility is in addition to the other existing methods of submitting Life Certificates. It is hoped that all pensioners who have Aadhaar numbers will make use of this additional facility of biometric life certification. 

With Jeevan Pramaan the pensioners and family pensioners need not visit the pension disbursing agency or Gazetted/designated authority for submission of Life Certificates. The Life Certificates may be submitted from personal computers and laptops at home or by visiting a conveniently located Common Service Centre or the nearest branch of any pension disbursing bank. There are about 55,000 branches of pension disbursing banks and 40,000 Common Service Centres throughout the country. Submission of Digital Life Certificate also ensures authenticity of pension payments. 

8437 - Defence Pensioners Jeevan Pramaan Certificate Enrolment by RSB - Echo of India

Defence Pensioners Jeevan Pramaan Certificate Enrolment by RSB

Port Blair

3 Aug 2015

The Government of India launched “Jeevan Pramaan” scheme in 2014, an Aadhaar based Digital Life Certificate for pensioners, an enabling mechanism for the benefit of the pensioners after the push toward self-certification. This facility provides an option to the pensioners to submit their life certificate digitally by authenticating biometrically using UIDAI database. The pension disbursing agencies integrated with the Jeevan Pramaan Portal will get access to digital life certificate. The major benefit of Jeevan Pramaan to pensioners is that they are no longer required to physically present themselves in front of Pension Disbursing Agency to submit their Life Certificate.

In this connection, the National Informatics Centre (NIC), Port Blair will organise the camp for enrolment of Jeevan Pramaan for, the Defence pensioners at NIC office, GPOA Complex, Ranchi Basti, Lamba Line, Port Blair during Aug & Sept.15. Therefore, the Defence pensioners are requested to register their name by 21st Aug’15 at A & N Raja Sainik Board office, Haddo, Port Blair or by calling over Telephone No.235621 at office hours.

All ex-Servicemen, World War-II Veteran pensioners and widows of ex-servicemen of these islands have been advised to bring their Aadhaar Number, Pension Payment Order (PPO), Pension Bank Account number and Mobile phone number during the scheduled time and enroll their names for Jeevan Pramaan.

It is essential for the pensioner to be physically present for enrolment in the Jeevan Pramaan system as the registration involves authentication of pensioner’s fingerprint.

8288 - Aadhaar Seeding cum Registration Camp being held in Laxmi Nagar today - Business Standard

Aadhaar Seeding cum Registration Camp being held in Laxmi Nagar today

Delhi  July 15, 2015 Last Updated at 00:20 IST

The Aadhaar Seeding and Regularization for pensioner in Delhi NCR in collaboration with the Punjab National Bank is being held at Auditorium Hall, Scope Tower, Laxmi Nagar of Delhi NCR, today. These camps are being held by the Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare for the benefit of the pensioners. Similar camps were held in Rajendra Place and Civil Lines areas of Delhi NCR on July 13, 2015 and July 14, 2015 respectively. 

Pensioners residing in the Laxmi Nagar area of Delhi NCR may visit an Aadhaar Camp held today at Auditorium Hall, Scope Tower, Laxmi Nagar, Delhi with original PPO, Aadhaar Card, and bank pass book along with photocopies of these documents before 5.00 pm. 

Pensioners who do not have Aadhaar number yet may in addition carry a photo ID like Voters Card. Jeevan Pramaan is in addition to the other existing facilities for submission of Life Certificate. All the Nationalised banks, as also UIDAI will participate in these camps which are proposed to be held later in other parts of the country. 

Aadhaar camp will be held in Sector 1, Noida on July 16, 2015 at Punjab National Bank, C-13 Sector -1 Noida near Sec 15 Metro Station. 

For implementation of Jeevan Pramaan- an Aadhaar based life certification system - all pensioners are requested to furnish their Aadhaar Numbers to their bank, if not already done. The pensioners who do not have Aadhaar are requested to obtain Aadhaar number. 

8149 - PM Modi suggests Aadhaar-based e-tracking of pension cases - Business Today

PM Modi suggests Aadhaar-based e-tracking of pension cases

PTI    New Delhi   Last Updated: June 15, 2015  | 18:36 IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has suggested an Aadhaar -based online system to check delay in processing cases of pensions.

The Prime Minister during a recent video-conference, while discussing problems being faced by Defence pensioners, with senior government officials of Personnel and other ministries had "stressed the need for using Aadhaar based system solutions".

The Prime Minister suggested putting in place an e-tracking system to monitor delays in pension cases."He (had) also stated that e-tracking of pension matter would be a good step towards preventing delays," according to minutes of meeting held on June 3, on Aadhaar-based authentication of life certificate for pensioners.

"It was agreed that possibilities of the Online Tracking System for Pension Sanction and Payment (Bhavishya) being adopted by Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Defence, Department of Posts and Department of Telecommunications would be explored," it said.

Officials from Department of Financial Services (DFS), present during the meeting, informed that all banks have started accepting digital life certificates (DLCs). So far, 2,06,024 pensioners have submitted DLCs. Of these, 1,47,629 take pension through banks and 35,135 through Defence Pension Disbursement Offices.

There are about 55 lakh central government pensioners across the country.

Representatives of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) informed the meeting that Ministry of Railways, Indian Army and Indian Air Force have been appointed as registrars for enrolment for Aadhaar numbers.

There was a concern expressed by Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DeitY) "over very high rate of rejection" of DLCs by the system , as the user tended to loose confidence in the process.

"It was agreed that for every rejection of the DLC, the system shall indicate the reason for rejection in the form of a speaking order. It was also hoped that during November, 2015, up to 50 per cent pensioners ought to avail benefit from 'Jeevan Pramaan'," the minutes said.

The Prime Minister had in November last year launched an Aadhaar-based biometric verification system Jeevan Pramaan to enable pensioners to submit a digital life certificate on-line.

Jeevan Pramaan aims at sparing the pensioners and family pensioners the trouble of visiting bank or any other pension disbursing agency for submission of life certificates.

The DeitY also stressed that UIDAI should facilitate, promote and encourage wide-spread use of Aadhaar number for delivery of public services. Aadhaar numbers of individual beneficiaries should be made available by UIDAI to government agencies on demand, as per the minutes of the meeting.

It was agreed that State Bank of India and UIDAI will organise a camp in Manipur as early as possible to facilitate employees or pensioner in getting enrolled for Aadhaar number and registering them under Jeevan Pramaan software.

It was once again pointed out that there were a number of glaring discrepancies in banks' data, including the number of pensioners above the age of 100 years and a large number of duplicate records in banks' databases. The DFS has once again been asked to instruct banks to get their data cleansed on priority.

During the meeting, the National Informatics Centre (NIC) informed that the posters and pamphlets for giving wide publicity to Jeevan Pramaan are ready for display in bank branches, ATM locations, wellness centres, railway dispensaries, defence canteens, etc. Willing agencies can obtain these posters and pamphlets from NIC, the minutes said.

It was also pointed out that contact numbers of some of the Common Service Centres (CSCs) being circulated were reportedly not correct.

"DeitY informed that 55,000 records have been cleaned. At present 6,000 CSCs are functional for Jeevan Pramaan."

Secretary (DeitY) expressed concern at this.

"He stated that CSC SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) should be asked to continuously update their databank and ensure that correct contact details are displayed at all points of time. Secretary (Pension) shared the concern," it said.

7879 - Government to help pensioners for getting digital life certificates - Economic Times

Government to help pensioners for getting digital life certificates

PTI Apr 28, 2015, 04.15PM IST

NEW DELHI: The National Informatics Centre (NIC) in various states have been asked to provide necessary technical support for starting enrolment of pensioners for getting digital life certificate to ensure hassle free disbursal of pension.

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.

7550 - Digital Life Certificate for Pensioners; More Than One Crore Pensioners May be Benefitted by the Scheme - Business Standard

Digital Life Certificate for Pensioners; More Than One Crore Pensioners May be Benefitted by the Scheme

Delhi  March 13, 2015 Last Updated at 00:21 IST

Under the 'Digital India Mission', Government has launched 'Jeevan Pramaan - an Aadhaar based Digital Life Certificate' for pensioners on 10.11.2014. This facility provides an option to the pensioners to submit their life certificate digitally by authenticating biometrically using UIDAI Database. The pension disbursing agencies integrated with the Jeevan Pramaan Portal will get access to digital life certificate. The pensioners need not go to the pension disbursing agency in person. 

Aadhaar numbers is used for bio-metric authentication of pensioners. All pensioners having Aadhaar number may avail this facility. More than one crore pensioners may be benefitted by the scheme. 

Government has taken a number of steps to bring awareness among the pensioners regarding the digital life certificate scheme such as publicity through leading newspapers, organization of camps for pensioners, regular meetings with pension disbursing agencies etc. 

This was stated by Shri Jayant Sinha, Minister of State in Ministry of Finance in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today. 

* * * * *

DSM/KA

7123 - EPFO to launch digital life certificates for pensioners - Business Standard

EPFO to launch digital life certificates for pensioners

EPFO has already started testing the digital life certificate system in two of its centres - Delhi and Chandigarh

BS Reporter & PTI  |  New Delhi  December 29, 2014 Last Updated at 00:34 IST

To make life easier for the senior citizens, Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has decided to follow the footsteps of Prime Minister Narendra Modi by mooting a digital life certificate to its 4.7 million pensioners.

The EPFO has already started testing the digital life certificate system at two of its centres - Delhi and Chandigarh. After verifying the system, the EPFO will launch the facility nationwide.

“The decision was taken at a meeting held recently between EPFO and the National Informatics Centre (NIC) officials where it was felt that old-age citizens face a lot of hardships to give a physical proof of being alive,” said an EPFO official.

The idea is to replicate the digital life certificate programme launched by Modi last month. This will allow EPFO pensioners to give a digital certificate through mobile phones instead of submitting a physical application by coming to bank every year, the official added.

Once the new system is in place, pensioners can submit biometric applications through a mobile phone application by providing their pension payment order, Aadhaar number, bank account and mobile number to the EPFO to register for the facility. The mobile application will be developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC). However, pensioners will have to visit their nearby NIC centres or banks to give fingerprints, said a senior EPFO official.  At present, pensioners under the Employees Pension Scheme 1995 have to visit their respective banks in November every year and get a certificate from the bank manager authenticating the pensioner was alive to receive the sum. Only after doing so, is the entitled amount credited to the pensioner's bank account every month.

The two regional offices cited above have been asked to prepare a report on the pilot project and submit it by January 26, a senior official told news agency Press Trust of India. According to the news agency, the EPFO has started the process of registering pensioners for the purpose at Delhi and Chandigarh on December 26.

Last month, Modi had launched Jeevan Pramaan - an Aadhaar-enabled digital life certificate for government employees.

5996 - Technology Can Surely Help Reduce Hardships - New Indian Express

Technology Can Surely Help Reduce Hardships

By The New Indian Express

Published: 12th November 2014 06:00 AM

Prime minister Narendra Modi on Monday launched the “Jeevan Pramaan” project, a digital version of the “life certificate” scheme that could eventually benefit 10 million claimants. The biometric-based software means pensioners will now no longer have to visit banks every year to give proof of their being alive to continue receiving benefits. Around 50 lakh people draw pension from the central government, and an equal number from state and UT governments. Several PSUs also provide pensions, and over 25 lakh retirees draw pensions from the armed forces. The software will be made available to pensioners and other stakeholders on a large scale at no extra cost. It can be operated on a personal computer or smartphone, along with an “inexpensive” biometric reading device.

The facility will also be made available at common service centres being operated under the National e-Governance Plan for the benefit of pensioners in inaccessible areas. The pensioner’s details, including date, time, and biometric information will be uploaded to a central database on real-time basis, ultimately enabling the pension disbursing agency to access a Digital Life Certificate. The Aadhaar-based certificate will go a long way in reducing hardships undergone by many senior citizens to produce a Life Certificate every year, the IT department said. After the push towards self-certification, this is another enabling mechanism for the benefit of the common man.

The recourse to these measures shows that Modi’s idea of development extends well beyond “big ticket” reforms to embrace the middle class. The use of Aadhaar shows why he insisted on continuing the project although some in his party wanted it to be scrapped since it was started by the previous government. But Modi saw its scientific benefits. The wide use of technology in these and other initiatives will also spread the scientific temper and accelerate the entry of more people into the modern age.

5989 - Helping hand for pensioners - Telegrapg India

Helping hand for pensioners

OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

New Delhi, Nov. 10:  The Centre today announced a digital scheme that does away with the need to furnish physical life certificates to ensure continuity of pension.

The initiative is expected to benefit over 50 lakh central government pensioners. Pensioners of state governments and PSUs can also benefit if the technology is adopted by the employers.

However, it is not yet clear when the digital life certificate scheme will come into being.

The existing system requires pensioners to send an attested physical life certificate in November each year to the Pension Disbursing Agency to prove that they are alive so that pension can continue to be credited to their accounts. Earlier, the pensioners had to personally hand over the certificates.

Under Jeevan Pramaan, the new Aadhaar-based scheme, a programme is expected to read real time the pensioner’s Aadhaar number and biometric details (iris and thumb prints) from the pensioner’s mobile device or computer. The software will establish whether the pensioner is alive at the time of authentication and enable the pension disbursing authority to continue to distribute the pension.

The department of electronics and information technology has developed the software application which will enable the recording of the pensioner’s Aadhaar number and biometric details from the mobile device or computer by plugging in a biometric-reading device.

Details such as date, time, and biometric information will be uploaded to a central database, enabling the pension disbursing authority to access the digital life certificate, a government statement said.

The software application system will be made available to pensioners and other stakeholders on a large scale at no extra cost. It can be operated on a personal computer or a smartphone, using an inexpensive biometric reading device.

The facility will also be made available at common service centres being operated under the National e-Governance Plan for the benefit of pensioners residing in remote areas, the statement said.

However, the personalised system has still some takers who feel that annual visits would help them keep in touch with their erstwhile workplaces and former colleagues.

The Narendra Modi government had earlier substituted attestation of documents (needed for entrance exams) by government officials with self-attestation.

5988 - Govt introduces scheme for pensioners - Live Mint

Govt introduces scheme for pensioners 

Jeevan Praman, a digital life certificate linked to Aadhaar unique identity number, introduced 

Moulishree Srivastava 

Daily Newsletter Breaking News Latest News 04:55 PM IST 

As many as 5 million individuals draw pension from the central government and a similar number from state and Union Territory governments, official data shows. 

Photo: Mint 

New Delhi: Soon, pensioners may not have to produce life certificates every year to claim pension, with the government introducing Jeevan Praman, a digital life certificate linked to the Aadhaar unique identity number. As of now, pensioners must either physically collect pension or submit every November a life certificate issued by authorities specified by the Central Pension Accounting Office. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while launching the scheme, said after the push towards self-certification, this digital life certificate was another enabling mechanism which would benefit the common man. 

Jeevan Praman will eventually benefit over 10 million pensioners in the country, he said. This system will enable the recording of a pensioner’s Aadhaar number and biometric details from a mobile device or a computer by plugging in a biometric reading device. The key details for the pensioners will be uploaded to a central database on real-time basis, thus enabling the pension disbursing agency to access a digital life certificate, which will serve as proof that the pensioner alive and entitled. 

The software application system, developed by the department of electronics and information technology (IT), will be made available to pensioners and other stakeholders on a large scale at no extra cost, said a government statement. While it can be operated on a personal computer or a smartphone by using a biometric reading device, the facility will also be available at common service centres being operated under the national e-governance olan. 

As many as 5 million individuals draw pension from the central government and a similar number from state and Union Territory governments, official data shows. Over 2.5 million retired personnel draw pension from the armed forces, in addition to several public sector units providing pension benefits.

Read more at: http://www.livemint.com/Politics/ZtfPzVMx24CfpYSYBkw5jL/Govt-introduces-scheme-for-pensioners.html?utm_source=copy

5986 - Aadhaar to Make Passport Issuance Hassle-Free and Ease Life for Pensioners - IB Times

Aadhaar to Make Passport Issuance Hassle-Free and Ease Life for Pensioners

• By Neha Singh November 11, 2014 17:44 IST

In a relief to over a crore pensioners, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday launched "Jeevan Pramaan" – an Aadhar-based digital life certificate – which will be rolled out soon. 

The government is working towards easing lives of crores of Indian citizens by making use of Aadhaar identification in issuance of passport and pensions for the retired government employees.

While the government has decided to do away with prior-police verification for issuing fresh passport with Aadhaar identification card, soon the pensioners too will not be required to submit physical "life certificate" each year as they can simply submit a digital report from anywhere in the country.

The department of electronics and information has already developed a software required to facilitate the process. The software application will help the pensioners enter their Aadhaar number and biometric details by plugging in an inexpensive biometric reading device into their smartphone or personal computer, The Times of India reported.

After entering the Aadhaar number, the date, time and "biometric information will be uploaded to a central database on real-time basis", which the pension disbursing agencies will be able to access as digital life certificates.

For those living in remote and inaccessible areas, common service centres being operated under the National e-Governance Plan will be equipped with the aforesaid facility.

This will come as a huge relief to those who live on pensions and are required to go in person to the pension disbursing agency to submit a physical life certificate issued by Central Pension Accounting Office (CPAO) authorised person in November each year to continue receiving pensions.

It's not just the senior citizens who would benefit from Aadhaar. Every Indian will be relieved from the delay in passport issuance that often takes time due to prior-police verification. When implemented, the applicant will need to compulsorily put in his Aadhaar card number or Aadhaar enrolment number, if card has not been issued.

Ministry of external affairs' consular, passport and visa division pitched in this idea before home ministry, law ministry and Intelligence Bureau and held a discussion on Monday. Following this, the MEA asked the UIDAI to work on its implementation which is expected to be over by the end of November.

While the verification of applicant's identification and citizenship will be carried out with the details on Aadhaar, his crime records will be verified on the National Crime Records Bureau's (NCRB) database. The police verification, in this case, will be done after issuing the passport, according to the TOI report.

At present, a fresh or first-time passport is issued only after police verification, which is either not required or carried out post issuance in case of minor applicants, tatkal applications and re-issue.

The central government's efforts to make the passport issuance procedure hassle-free for its citizens and to do away with senior citizens' trouble of getting a life certificate to continue availing pension, will come as a greater relief for majority of India's population.

5978 - Pensioners to breathe easy with digital Jeevan Pramaan - Hindu BusinessLine

Pensioners to breathe easy with digital Jeevan Pramaan

OUR BUREAU

PM announces Aadhaar-based self-certification system

NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 10:  

Over 1.25 crore pensioners in the country will no longer be required to submit physical proof of being alive every November, thanks to an Aadhaar-based digital certification system soon.

On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a new system called ‘Jeevan Pramaan,’ another initiative in line with self-certification. At present, there are around 50 lakh Central Government pensioners, with a similar number drawing pensions in States and Union Territories. In addition, over 25 lakh retired personnel draw pension from the Armed Forces, while several public sector undertakings also provide pension to retired employees.

Under the new system, a software will help senior citizens to ensure continuity of pension being credited into his/her account. The software application has been developed by the Department of Electronics and Information Technology and will record the pensioner's Aadhaar number and biometric details. Pensioners can record this from his/her home or any other place.

However, pensioners will have to take a biometric reading device and connect it to their smart phone or computer. They will also be required to install an application on their handset/computer. The Government said that the reading device is inexpensive while the software will be provided at no extra cost.

As a pensioner plugs in the reading device with his mobile handset/computer, his/her key details, such as date, time, and biometric information, will be uploaded to a central database on real-time basis. This will enable the Pension Disbursing Agency to access a Digital Life Certificate, which will conclusively establish that a pensioner was alive at the time of authentication. 

The earlier requirement entailed that a pensioner either personally presents himself before the Pension Disbursing Agency, or submits a Life Certificate issued by the authorities specified by the Central Pension Accounting Office (CPAO). Now, the Aadhar-Based Digital Life Certificate will go a long way in reducing hardship of many senior citizens who have to produce a Life Certificate every year. 

If a pensioner does not have a mobile phone or computer, he/she can use this facility at Common Service Centres being operated under the National e-Governance Plan. This will benefit pensioners in remote and inaccessible areas. 

(This article was published on November 10, 2014