The government ordered PDAs to provide information about acceptance and rejection on time through SMS. On January 13, 2025, the Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare (DOPPW) under the Central Government, issued an important order related to the submission of Digital Life Certificate (DLC) of pensioners. In this order, strict instructions have been given to all pension paying (PDA) banks to follow these rules. This order has been issued with the aim of bringing relief and transparency to pensioners.
Let us know in detail what this order says and what are its benefits.
For some time now, the government was receiving complaints from pensioners that despite submitting Digital Life Certificate (DLC), their pension stops. The main reason for this is the PDAs not updating their records on time and not sending SMS messages. Due to this, pensioners are not able to know whether their life certificate has been accepted or rejected. The government has taken strict steps considering this carelessness of PDAs not acceptable.
Details of the order dated February 20, 2024
The government had earlier issued an order dated February 20, 2024, stating that: Notification by SMS is mandatory: Pensioners must be informed about the acceptance or rejection of their DLC through SMS on the same day. Reason for rejection: If the DLC is rejected, the reason for the same should be clearly mentioned in the SMS. Identification of errors: If the pensioner has entered the wrong PDA, account number or PPO number, the concerned PDA will inform them by SMS. Inspite of the given instructions, many PDAs were not sending SMS messages, causing unnecessary problems to pensioners.
Details of the order dated January 13, 2025
In the new order, the government has added some new terms for pensioners and ordered strict implementation of the old instructions.
1. Mandatory to submit Annual Life Certificate
Every year in the month of November, it is mandatory for all pensioners to submit their Annual Life Certificate. This process ensures that the pensioner is still alive and is getting a pension.
2. Digital Life Certificate (DLC) facility
The government has introduced a Digital Life Certificate for the convenience of pensioners. This process is completed through modern technologies like biometric devices and face authentication. This eliminates the need for pensioners to visit the pension office.
3. Mandatory to give information through SMS
After submitting the DLC, the concerned PDA has to update it in its records and inform the pensioner through SMS whether their life certificate has been accepted or rejected.
Instructions to guarantee that the order is followed
1. Instructions to PDAs
All Pension Disbursing Authorities (PDAs) have been instructed to update the records of DLC on time and inform the pensioners through SMS. If the DLC is rejected for any reason, the pensioner should be given a chance to correct it.
2. Ban on stopping pension
The government has clarified that after the DLC is submitted, if any error is found in it, the pensioner will be given enough time for corrective action. Meanwhile, their pension will not be stopped.
3. Warning of strict action
The government has also said that if PDAs do not follow these instructions, strict action will be taken against them.
Relief for pensioners
After this order, pensioners will not have to worry whether their DLC has been updated in the record or not. They will get timely information through SMS messages so that their pension will continue uninterrupted. Apart from this, technical facilities like the Digital Life Certificate (DLC) will make their processes even easier.
Government Guidelines:
The government has issued the following guidelines for PDAs: The status of DLC (approved/rejected) must be communicated to pensioners through SMS. Any rejected DLC must be resolved immediately. If the DLC is rejected, the pensioner must be given an opportunity to recorrect it. Delay of pension will be strictly prohibited.
This order is an important step in the direction of a digital and transparent government system. It will avoid unnecessary issues and guarantee that pensioners receive their rights on time. It has been necessary that all pension sending bodies follow to it. Pensioners lives will become easier and more simple from this government effort.