Prelims: Current events of national and national importance
Why in News?
The Ex-Servicemen’s Grievance Cell states that nearly half of all military pensioners are unable to use the SPARSH portal.
SPARSH - The System for Pension Administration Raksha is an initiative that aims to provide a comprehensive web-based interactive solution to the administration of pensions to the defence pensioners.
It is in line with the vision of the government of India of Digital India, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and “Minimal Government, Maximum Governance”.
It covers the armed forces, including the Army, Navy, Air Force and Defence Civilians.
It will initially cater to the new retirees on roll out and subsequently be extended to cover the existing defence pensioners.
Launched by - Ministry of defence, in the year 2017.
Administered by - Defence Accounts Department through the Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Pensions), Prayagraj.
Vision - Right pension at the right time.
Features
Pension cycle - It caters for all service activities, namely:
Initiation and Sanction
Disbursement
Revision
Service and Grievance Request Management.
Distinct portals - It consists of two portals, one for the pensioner (SPARSH portal) and the other for pension processing (SPARSH Back Office Portal).
Automatic registration - A person whose pension is due is onboarded on the portal at the time of processing of his pension claim.
Unique ID generation - The Pensioner is allotted a unique account number once his digitised, audited pension claim is ready for forwarding to PCDA(Pensions) for issue of Pension Payment Order.
Credential alert - The Pensioner is informed of this account number on the mobile number/email address furnished by him at the time of furnishing his pension claim, which he can use to onboard on this portal.
Mobile App - The pensioner will be notified of events through his registered mobile/email address.
SPARSH Seva Kendras
These are points of contact for the pensioners to avail the services that are available through the portal.
These centres will provide an interface and assistance to the Pensioner in the event of non-availability of portal access.
