Digital Life Certificate Campaign 3.0: A Milestone in Pensioner Welfare
The Department of Pensions and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) has marked a significant achievement with the successful conclusion of the Digital Life Certificate (DLC) Campaign 3.0. This initiative, which ran from November 1 to November 30, 2024, aimed to simplify the process of submitting digital life certificates, particularly for super senior pensioners. By leveraging innovative technologies and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, the campaign has set new benchmarks in enhancing the welfare of pensioners across India. The DoPPW extends its gratitude to all officials, pensioners, welfare associations, banks, and media outlets that contributed to the campaign’s success.
Outcomes and Key Achievements
The DLC Campaign 3.0 stands out as the largest initiative ever undertaken to improve pensioners’ welfare in India. It successfully generated an impressive 1.30 crore digital life certificates. A remarkable 39 lakh of these certificates, accounting for over 30%, were created using Face Authentication Technology. This represents a staggering 200-fold increase compared to the previous DLC 2.0 campaign. The use of this groundbreaking technology has proven especially beneficial for elderly pensioners with faded fingerprints, differently-abled individuals facing mobility challenges, and those residing in rural or remote areas.
The campaign also focused on super senior pensioners, with more than 8 lakh DLCs submitted by individuals aged 80 and above. The India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) played a pivotal role by offering doorstep services to these pensioners, ensuring that they could easily submit their certificates without the need for travel. The campaign aimed for complete coverage across the country, ensuring that no pensioner was left behind, particularly those in underserved populations. The collaborative efforts of banks, post offices, and volunteer networks were crucial in achieving this universal coverage model. Furthermore, extensive media outreach through DD News, AIR, SANSAD TV, and print media helped raise awareness, reaching over 122 million people nationwide.
Vision for Digital Empowerment
The DLC Campaign 3.0 aligns with the broader Digital India vision, reflecting the Honorable Prime Minister’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for senior citizens. In his Mann Ki Baat address on November 24, 2024, the Prime Minister praised the initiative for empowering elderly pensioners with technology, allowing them to submit their digital life certificates from the comfort of their homes. He emphasized that this shift has eliminated the need for physical visits to banks, significantly improving convenience for senior citizens.
The campaign embodies a transformative approach to pensioner welfare, showcasing how technology can bridge gaps and facilitate easier access to essential services. By prioritizing the needs of the elderly, the initiative not only streamlines administrative processes but also fosters a sense of dignity and respect for pensioners. The Prime Minister’s recognition of the campaign underscores its importance in the ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for senior citizens in India.
Launch of the Campaign and Stakeholder Involvement
The DLC Campaign 3.0 was officially launched on November 6, 2024, at the National Media Center in New Delhi, under the leadership of Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Honorable Minister of State for Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare. The campaign adopted a multi-stakeholder approach, engaging 19 banks, the India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), the Controller General of Defence Accounts, and various other departments.
To facilitate the process, 1,845 camps were organized across more than 800 cities and districts nationwide. Over 1,100 nodal officers were deployed to ensure smooth operations, addressing technical challenges and assisting with efficient DLC submissions. Additionally, 1.8 lakh postmen were mobilized to provide on-ground assistance, further enhancing the campaign’s reach and effectiveness. This collaborative effort exemplifies the commitment of various stakeholders to improve the lives of pensioners and ensure that they have access to the services they need.
Achievements Across Campaigns
The DLC Campaign 3.0 builds on the successes of its predecessors, demonstrating a consistent upward trajectory in the number of digital life certificates processed. The first campaign, DLC 1.0, launched in 2022, covered 37 cities and processed 91 lakh life certificates, ultimately reaching 1.41 crore DLCs by March 2023. The second campaign, DLC 2.0, expanded to 100 cities and generated 1.17 crore DLCs, with a total of 1.47 crore by March 2024.
As of November 30, 2024, the third campaign has achieved remarkable success, processing over 1.30 crore DLCs. The DoPPW aims to surpass 1.60 crore submissions by March 2025, further solidifying the campaign’s role in enhancing pensioner welfare. This progressive growth highlights the effectiveness of the initiatives and the increasing awareness among pensioners regarding the importance of submitting their digital life certificates.
Role of Banks and IPPB in Campaign Success
Leading banks, including the State Bank of India (SBI), IPPB, Punjab National Bank (PNB), and Canara Bank, played a crucial role in the success of the DLC Campaign 3.0. These banks collectively generated over 11.3 lakh, 7.3 lakh, 2.7 lakh, and 1.8 lakh DLCs, respectively. They organized specialized camps in 150 cities, covering more than 750 locations, to assist pensioners with limited digital resources.
These efforts ensured that pensioners without access to smartphones or the internet could submit their life certificates with ease. Notably, all Pension Disbursing Banks achieved 40 percent of the total DLCs, marking a significant milestone. This percentage is expected to increase further in December 2024 as residual pensioners submit their certificates. The banks’ proactive approach and commitment to supporting pensioners have been instrumental in the campaign’s overall success.
Conclusion: Looking Ahead
The DoPPW is proud to have coordinated the DLC Campaign 3.0, working closely with all stakeholders to improve pensioners’ welfare. This initiative is a significant step toward achieving a developed India (Viksit Bharat). The campaign demonstrates DoPPW’s unwavering commitment to the digital empowerment of pensioners. Building on this momentum, the initiative sets the stage for even greater achievements in the coming year. As the government continues to prioritize the needs of senior citizens, the future looks promising for enhancing their quality of life through innovative solutions and collaborative efforts.
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