New Delhi, Feb 22: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, and Minister of State for PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh, underscored the significant pension reforms implemented since Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office in May 2014.
Speaking at the 33rd meeting of the Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA) and 10th Nationwide Pension Adalat in New Delhi, Dr Singh emphasized the government’s commitment to elder citizens’ and women’s welfare through technological advancements and policy changes.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Singh highlighted the Department of Pension’s efforts to empower women and ensure their dignified living standards. He mentioned specific reforms, such as granting family pensions to divorced daughters whose parents passed away after the divorce proceedings were initiated and expediting family pensions for families of missing employees covered under the National Pension System (NPS). Additionally, he noted the enhancement of pension benefits for differently-abled individuals.
The union minister commended the Department of Pension for its transformative role under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging SCOVA members to provide suggestions for further improvements. He highlighted the introduction of a single pension form and the Digital Life Certificate (Jeevan Praman) initiative, facilitating the online submission of life certificates for pensioners.
Dr Singh shared the department’s collaboration with MeitY and UIDAI in developing a Face-Authentication Technology-based system for life certificate submission via Android smartphones, enhancing ease of living for pensioners. He mentioned initiatives like doorstep Digital Life Certificate submission and the BHAVISHYA platform for pension sanction processing.
Dr Jitendra chaired the Nationwide Pension Adalat, resolving grievances from 12 Ministries/Departments. He emphasized the Modi government’s commitment to addressing pensioners’ grievances promptly, citing previous Pension Adalats’ success in resolving cases on the spot.
Pensioner Welfare Associations from various states, along with representatives from relevant government departments, participated in the SCOVA meeting, and contributed to discussions on pension reforms and welfare measures.
