In this article we will discuss what a Digital life certificate is, what are its benefits and how one can apply for it.
A major requisite for pensioners is to routinely provide a life certificate. This certificate acts as proof of the living status of the pensioner. It is only on the basis of the certificate that the pension is credited to the account. Earlier an individual drawing a pension had to be present personally before the disbursing agency or have a life certificate issued by a notified authority. This created inconvenience and several hurdles for senior citizens.
In November 2020, the Central Government launched the doorstep service for the submission of Digital Life Certificates through postman. The Centre has asked the India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) to utilise its network of Postmen and Gramin Dak Sevaks in providing this facility. As per updates from the Centre, the service is chargeable and is available to all Central Government Pensioners across the country. In this article, we shall discuss the procedure for obtaining a Digital Life Certificate using the Jeevan Pramaan website for pensioners.
What Is The Digital Life Certificate For Pensioners?
In India, more than one crore of families depends on a pension for sustenance. This pension is mostly disbursed by government bodies such as the central government, state government and union territory governments. In addition to these, there are public sector enterprises and various other government agencies that are required to provide a pension to their retired employees.
With the world moving towards increased digitisation, there was a need to provide this essential service to senior citizens through online mediums. The government of India has created a new portal called “Jeevan Pramaan” for the purpose of digitally providing a life certificate to a pensioner.
It is a biometric-enabled Aadhaar-based Digital Life Certificate for pensioners. Jeevan Pramaan is for an individual pensioner using his/her Aadhaar number and Biometrics. It involves creating a unique “Pramaan ID” for each pensioner. Thus, unlike being present before a pension disbursing officer, there is no need for physical presence. This certificate will be available digitally to banks, post offices or any other disbursing agencies automatically.
Need For Digitising Life Certificate For Pensioners
- Unnecessary inconvenience to old aged pensioners in accessing a bank or certifying agency
- Infirm and ill pensioners found it challenging to meet the “physical presence” criteria
- Moving to a different location also added logistical challenges to accessing this crucial document.
- Furthermore, the lockdown restrictions due to the Covid -19 pandemic made it extremely hard for old-age pension receivers to submit a life certificate.
- It was by the culmination of all these factors that the Digital Life Certificate scheme was introduced.
How To Generate A Digital Life Certificate Online?
There are three ways of generating a digital life certificate for the purpose of pension.
Method 1 – Using a Windows Laptop
- Step: 1 Download the Jeevan Pramaan application from the link https://jeevanpramaan.gov.in/package/download. You would have to enter your email address and the correct captcha code before downloading it.
- Step: 2 Once you download, you will be guided to an authentication portal. Enter your Mobile number and Aadhar details, and generate the OTP
- Step: 3 On entering the OTP, you would have to authenticate your personal information. This can be by either scanning your fingerprint (if the laptop or mobile has a fingerprint scanner available) or using the Iris (Eye) scan using the camera.
- Step: 4 Once this process concludes, the pensioner would have to enter details such as Name, PPO Number, Type of Pension, Sanctioning Authority, Disbursing Agency, Account number, and email and tick mark the NOC checkbox.
- Step: 5 Once the certificate is generated, it will generate a Pramaan ID sent in the form of SMS and email. This would also be available electronically to the sanctioning authorities and disbursing agencies.
Method 2 – Using an Android Device (4.0 or higher)
Download the Android client software from the link – https://jeevanpramaan.gov.in/package/download and follow the same steps as enlisted in the procedure above.
Documents and details required
- Aadhaar Number and Mobile Number – these must be the same as that registered with the Pension Disbursing Agency
- Pension Related Information like PPO Number, Pension Account number, Bank details, Name of Pension Sanctioning Authority, Pension Disbursing Authority
- An android phone or windows laptop having a fingerprint scanning feature or iris scan using a camera
Method 3 – Using services of a “Citizen Service Centre”
You can go to the nearest CSC by clicking on ‘Locate a Centre’ on https://jeevanpramaan.gov.in portal or alternatively you can send an SMS to 7738299899. The SMS body must start with the keyword “JPL” and after space write your pin code. e.g. JPL 110003 and send it to 7738299899. This centre would assist a senior citizen in validating biometrics with the Aadhar-based authentication system. Once successfully done, a Pramaan ID would be generated.
Do I Have To Physically Go And Submit The Digital Certificate To The Bank?
No, there is no need for a pensioner who has created a digital life certificate to visit the bank or post office. The Digital Life Certificate will automatically be available electronically.
How Can I Access The Digital Life Certificate Later?
Till its validity, the pensioner can access a PDF copy of it by generating a digital certificate from the Jeevan Pramaan website using the Pramaan ID or Aadhar number.
Is Aadhar Mandatory For Obtaining The Digital Life Certificate?
Yes, the system validates the details of the pensioner from those in the Aadhar database. Hence, the Aadhar card is a mandatory document for this purpose.
Conclusion
The Digital Life certificate is a major relief to senior citizens as they can now receive their pensions without having to physically travel anywhere. However, there is the necessity to enrol yourself for the service as a one-time exercise. And this might sometimes be a little difficult for senior citizens, especially if they are not accustomed to electronic devices. Besides, the forms can also seem tedious and confusing. So it is always advisable that the help of a professional is sought so that the process is completed error-free and smoothly. The slightest error can lead to delays in receiving a pension and disrupt the financial routine of the pensioner. If you have any other queries regarding government schemes or would like to consult with a legal professional regarding similar issues, you can get in touch with our team and we will ensure that you receive timely and appropriate assistance for your requirements.
