Punjab to Launch Special Drive for Ex-Servicemen, Widows to Upload Life Certificates

North News

Chandigarh, November 8

The Defence Welfare Department of the Punjab government has announced a special drive to assist ex-servicemen and widows in uploading their life certificates, ensuring the uninterrupted disbursement of pensions. Punjab Cabinet Minister Mohinder Bhagat revealed this initiative, emphasizing that the welfare of ex-servicemen, widows, and their dependents remains a government priority. Currently, Punjab is home to approximately 433,000 ex-servicemen and widows, all of whom must upload their life certificates on the SPARSH (System for Pension Administration) platform by November to maintain pension continuity.

Minister Bhagat highlighted that many ex-servicemen and widows face difficulties with the digital tools required for the SPARSH system, as this system was only recently adopted for pension disbursement. To address these challenges, special camps will be held across all District Defence Services Offices from November 11 to November 22, 2024, under the supervision of retired Commander Baljinder Virk, who serves as the District Defense Services Welfare Officer for Amritsar and as the designated Nodal Officer for this drive.

These camps will feature help desks dedicated to assisting ex-servicemen and widows in the uploading process. To further ease the process, IT infrastructure is being set up at each camp, and ICICI Bank has agreed to provide teams to establish help desks at each location, enhancing accessibility and support.

The Punjab government’s effort is part of a broader commitment to support veterans and their families, ensuring that they continue to receive the benefits they have earned without facing unnecessary digital or logistical barriers.