Jeevan Pramaan Patra: Why Should EPS Pensioners Submit Life Certificate?

Indian Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare has launched Digital Life Certificate Campaign 3.0 also known as Jeevan Pramaan Patra. The initiative aims to simplify life certification submission for the 78 Lakh Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) pensioners through an online portal to decrease standing in longer queues and physical bank visits, being mindful of the pensioner’s health needs. The eligibility confirmation for payment can be done from the comfort of their home reducing the physical exertion of bank visits and the burden created on the bank employees, adding convenience for all.

The digital submission process, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 8, 2024, allows pensioners to authenticate their identity through face recognition on mobile devices, eliminating the need for yearly in-person submissions.

Workings

The new method asks retirees to install two apps on their smartphones: "Aadhaar Face RD" and "Jeevan Pramaan." After configuring the applications, users may complete the identity verification process with facial authentication. The Aadhaar-linked cellphone number is required because it safeguards the authentication process, prompting pensioners with a unique Pramaan ID and a Pension Payment Order (PPO), a 12-digit identifying number, upon successful submission.

The digital certificate is valid for one year and can be re-submitted at any time. Unlike other government pensions that require a certificate by November 30 each year, EPS'95 retirees just need to renew one year after their previous submission, which shortens their paperwork timeframe.

Automated Process

Once downloaded from the Google Play Store, the Aadhaar Face RD app runs in the background of the Jeevan Pramaan app, assisting with the face scan. Following OTP verification, the app takes pensioners step by step through the setup process. As the face scan is completed, a confirmation message displays, and pensioners can download a PDF version of their certificate from the Jeevan Pramaan website using their Pramaan ID.

Accessibility

Elderly or pensioners with physical challenges will be more at ease while doing the submission via e-portal eliminating the extra paperwork and unnecessary bank visits that are too time-consuming. A senior government spokesperson remarked, “This innovation ensures that pensioners, even the very elderly or infirm, can complete their certification smoothly from home.”

Digital Life Certificate Campaign 3.0 will help empower Indian senior citizens while supporting the “Vocal for Local” initiative by promoting Indian technological solutions in public service.