"Sparsh Portal: Streamlining Pensioner Services for India's Defense Personnel"

Introduction:

In an era of digital transformation, the Indian government has taken significant steps to simplify and enhance services for its citizens, including the country's defense personnel pensioners. One of the notable developments in this regard is the introduction of the Sparsh Portal, a dedicated platform designed to offer a wide range of pension-related services for those who have served in the Army, Navy, and Indian Air Force. Let's delve into what Sparsh Portal is, its registration process, and the services it provides to ensure a smooth transition to the new pension system.

Sparsh PCDA Pension Portal Registration:

The Sparsh Portal, managed by the Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (PCDA), has been implemented to streamline pension-related processes for defense personnel pensioners. This new system covers pensioners from three distinct pension-sanctioning authorities: the Army in Allahabad, the Navy in Mumbai, and the Indian Air Force in Delhi. With the introduction of Sparsh, these pensioners have migrated to a more efficient pension system that allows them to access their pension benefits exclusively through the portal.


To access the Sparsh Portal, pensioners can register through the following methods:

Pensioners can log in directly to the Sparsh Portal using their unique ID and password. These credentials are generated and sent to the pensioner's registered mobile number and email address. Your 12-digit Pension Payment Order (PPO) number, appended with '01,' becomes your username for the portal.

Common Service Center (CSC): Alternatively, pensioners can visit a nearby Common Service Center to assist with the registration process and access the portal's services.

Services Offered by Sparsh Portal:

Once registered on the Sparsh Portal, defense personnel pensioners gain access to a range of digital services that eliminate the need for physical visits to pension offices. Some of the key services provided by the portal include:

Check Migration Status: Pensioners can track the status of their migration to the new pension system seamlessly through the portal.

Initiate Family Pension: Sparsh allows pensioners to initiate family pension requests online, simplifying the process significantly.

Report Death: In case of unfortunate events, pensioners or their family members can report a pensioner's demise via the portal, ensuring prompt handling of such matters.

Update Mobile Number: Keeping your contact information up-to-date is crucial, and Sparsh offers the ability to modify your registered mobile number for seamless communication.

Digitized Life Certificate (DLC):

One of the standout features of the Sparsh Portal is the provision of a Digitized Life Certificate (DLC) submission process. This service can be availed by pensioners who simply log in, provide their PPO number, and select the Aadhar tab. The authentication process involves scanning your finger with a biometric device. Once Aadhar authentication is successful, the DLC is provided, saving pensioners the hassle of traditional life certificate submission methods.

Alternatively, pensioners can use the Digital Jeevan Pramaan application on a PC or the biometric Jeevan Pramaan App for Android smartphones. By choosing the appropriate Sanctioning and Disbursing Authorities and completing biometric authentication, a Pramaan ID is generated.

Manual Life Certificate (MLC):

For those who prefer a manual approach, Sparsh Portal also offers the option of a Manual Life Certificate (MLC). To obtain this certificate, pensioners need to log in, select the MLC option, and generate the certificate. It must then be signed by a gazetted officer, scanned, and uploaded back to the Sparsh Portal.

Conclusion:

The introduction of the Sparsh Portal represents a significant leap forward in simplifying pension-related services for India's defense personnel pensioners. This user-friendly digital platform provides a range of services, from initiating family pensions to submitting life certificates, all within the comfort of one's home. With its easy registration process and user-friendly interface, Sparsh Portal ensures that defense pensioners can access their entitlements without the need for time-consuming office visits. In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, Sparsh Portal is a testament to the government's commitment to serving those who have served the nation.