PARLIAMENT QUESTION: DIGITAL LIFE CERTIFICATE CAMPAIGN

**Executive Summary** This report details the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions' efforts to simplify Digital Life Certificate (DLC) submissions for elderly and differently-abled pensioners. It highlights the success of the Face Authentication Technique and the annual nationwide campaign held every November, with a special submission window in October for super seniors. The initiative aims to ensure the continuity of pensions through end-to-end digitization and localized outreach. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Campaign Scope and Timing** * Nationwide DLC campaigns are conducted annually from November 1st to 30th across identified districts and cities. * Pensioners aged 80 and above are granted the additional flexibility to submit their DLCs starting in October. * Mega camps are organized in areas with high concentrations of pensioners to facilitate easy access. * **Technological Advancements** * The Government has introduced the Face Authentication Technique, which enables DLC generation using only a smartphone. * Between April 1, 2025, and March 24, 2026, 1.90 crore DLCs were generated, with 1.15 crore (over 60%) utilizing Face Authentication. * **Accessibility and Support Services** * Doorstep services are specifically provided for aged, sick, incapacitated, and Divyang (differently-abled) pensioners during campaigns. * The infrastructure of India Post Payments Bank, Post Offices, and Gramin Dak Sevaks is utilized to assist senior citizens with submissions. * **Administrative Integration** * The "Bhavishya" platform has been integrated with Banks, CGHS, PFMS, Digilocker, the Central Pension Accounting Office, and e-HRMS. * This integration ensures end-to-end digitization of pension processing to improve the "ease of living" for retirees. * Pre-campaign outreach and training meetings are held to increase awareness among stakeholders and pensioners. **Impact Analysis** **Pensioners (Elderly, Super Senior, and Divyang)** **Impact** Pensioners benefit from a significantly simplified verification process, reducing the need for physical travel through smartphone-based authentication and doorstep services. This ensures their pension payments remain uninterrupted. **Action Required** Pensioners should utilize the Face Authentication Technique or visit local camps/post offices to submit their DLCs during the October (for those 80+) or November window. **Pension Disbursing Banks** **Impact** Banks are tasked with higher accountability in monitoring pensioner compliance to ensure administrative continuity. **Action Required** Banks must generate regular reports identifying pensioners who have not submitted their DLCs and take proactive steps to ensure these certificates are obtained. **Postal Services (IPPB, Post Offices, and Gramin Dak Sevaks)** **Impact** These entities serve as critical frontline facilitators, extending the reach of the campaign to rural and localized areas. **Action Required** Staff must provide technical and physical assistance to senior citizens, particularly those over 80, to facilitate successful DLC submissions.

Key Entities Referenced