For crores of pensioners across India, including those from the Central and State Government, Employees Provident Fund Organization (EPFO), and other government bodies, October and November are crucial months. During this time, pensioners are required to submit their life certificates, also known as Jeevan Pramaan Patra, to prove that they are still alive and eligible to receive pensions. Traditionally, this required a visit to the bank or post office. However, the government has introduced an easy solution that allows pensioners to generate and submit their life certificates digitally from home.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to generate a Digital Life Certificate (DLC) from the comfort of your home.
What is a Digital Life Certificate (Jeevan Pramaan)?
The Digital Life Certificate, also known as Jeevan Pramaan Patra, is an online service that allows pensioners to generate a biometric-enabled proof of life. Pensioners from the Central or State Government, EPFO, or any other government organization can use this service if their pension-disbursing agency supports it.
Who Issues the Digital Life Certificate?
The Digital Life Certificate is issued by India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) in collaboration with the National Informatics Center (NIC), under the Government of India. The process of generating a DLC is made available through a specialized application developed by NIC, which can be accessed through various service providers.
How to Generate a Digital Life Certificate from Home
Generating a Digital Life Certificate has become easy, especially for pensioners who may not be able to visit the bank or post office. IPPB has made it possible to issue a DLC at your doorstep through your local postman or Gramin Dak Sevak. Here’s how you can get it done:
- Reach out to your Postman/Gramin Dak Sevak: If you can’t visit the post office, you can request the postman or Gramin Dak Sevak to come to your home.
- Provide necessary details: Share basic pension-related details, including your Pension Payment Order (PPO) number, Aadhaar number, and bank account information.
- Biometric authentication: The Postal Sevak will collect your biometric data (fingerprint or iris scan) using a portable device. Currently, only fingerprint authentication is available through IPPB.
- DLC generation: Once your information is verified, the Postal Sevak will help generate your Digital Life Certificate.
Documents Required for Digital Life Certificate
To generate a Digital Life Certificate, you need to have the following documents ready:
- Pension Payment Order (PPO): This is the original document issued by your pension-disbursing authority.
- Bank Account Details: The account where your pension is deposited.
- Aadhaar Card: You need your Aadhaar number for identity verification.
- Mobile Number: A working mobile number is required for communication.
Information Needed to Generate DLC
While generating the Digital Life Certificate, you will need to provide the following information:
- Aadhaar Number
- Name and Mobile Number
- Pension Payment Order (PPO) Number
- Pension Account Number
- Bank Details
- Name of Pension Sanctioning Authority (PSA)
- Name of Pension Disbursing Agency (PDA)
Additionally, biometric authentication, either through a fingerprint scan (currently active) or an iris scan (expected in the future), is required to complete the process.
Cost of Generating a DLC at Home
There is a nominal fee of ₹70, which includes service tax, for generating the Digital Life Certificate at your doorstep. This charge covers the convenience of having the service brought to your home by a postal worker.
Do You Need to Submit the DLC to the Bank or Post Office?
No, there is no need for pensioners to physically submit the Digital Life Certificate to their bank, post office, or pension-disbursing authority. Once the DLC is generated, it is automatically transmitted to the concerned authority electronically. This eliminates the need for pensioners to visit the bank or post office, making the process seamless and hassle-free.
Why Digital Life Certificates are a Game-Changer for Pensioners
The introduction of the Digital Life Certificate has revolutionized the way pensioners prove their eligibility. Earlier, pensioners had to visit banks, which could be inconvenient, especially for senior citizens or those with mobility issues. With the Digital Life Certificate service, pensioners can now complete the process without leaving their homes. This initiative is part of the government’s larger vision to digitize public services, making them more accessible and user-friendly for the elderly population.
By opting for a Digital Life Certificate, pensioners save time and effort, while also benefiting from the convenience of doorstep services offered by India Post Payments Bank.
