The Indian Army launched Project NAMAN on August 30, 2024 (yesterday). This big initiative aims to provide dedicated support and services to Defence Pensioners, Veterans, and their families. The project focuses on using the SPARSH (System for Pension Administration Raksha) digital pension system, which is designed to make pension-related processes easier and faster for Defence Pensioners. Project NAMAN ensures that Veterans and their Next of Kin (NOK) across India have access to the care and support they need. (Article Source : PIB)
What is SPARSH?
SPARSH is a digital system created by the Indian government to make the pension process for Defence personnel more efficient and user-friendly. It automates and digitizes the entire pension disbursement process, from start to finish, reducing delays and ensuring accuracy. SPARSH is tailored to meet the unique needs of Defence Pensioners, making it easier for them to access their pension information and resolve any issues without having to visit multiple offices.
What is Project NAMAN?
Project NAMAN, launched by the Indian Army, offers Defence Pensioners and their families streamlined services through the SPARSH digital system at Common Service Centres (CSCs). These CSCs, backed by the Indian Army in collaboration with partners, will be operated by Veterans and Veer Naris selected by local military bodies, ensuring comprehensive support and convenience. The initiative is a collaboration between the Indian Army’s Directorate of Indian Army Veterans (Adjutant General’s Branch), CSC e-Governance India Limited, and HDFC Bank Limited. They can manage pensions, update profiles, register grievances, and access government and banking services. These partners play a crucial role in providing the necessary infrastructure, training, and financial support to ensure the success of the project.
The Launch of Project NAMAN
Project NAMAN was formally inaugurated by General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, alongside Mrs. Sunita Dwivedi, President, Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA). The project is a testament to the Indian Army’s commitment to its Veterans and their families. General Dwivedi emphasized that Project NAMAN is not just about providing services; it is about ensuring that the Veterans and their families feel supported and cared for, and recognise their invaluable contribution to the nation.
Empowering Veterans Through Entrepreneurship
One of the unique aspects of Project NAMAN is the involvement of Veterans and NOKs in managing the Common Service Centres (CSCs). Each centre will be managed by a Village Level Entrepreneur (VLE), selected from among the Veterans or NOKs by the Local Military Authorities. This not only provides employment opportunities for Veterans but also ensures that the centres are managed by individuals who understand the needs and challenges of the Defence community.
The VLEs are onboarded by CSC e-Governance India Limited and receive comprehensive training to ensure that they can deliver the required services effectively. To support the VLEs in their roles, the Indian Army, along with its partners, provides ongoing training and resources. This approach not only empowers Veterans and NOKs but also ensures that the services provided at the CSCs are of high quality and tailored to the specific needs of the Defence community.
Services Provided at CSCs through Project NAMAN
Each CSC is a one-stop solution for various services, including:
1. SPARSH-Enabled Pension Services: These services make it easier for Veterans and their families to manage their pensions, access information, and resolve any pension-related issues. Project NAMAN, through the SPARSH digital pension system, will provide several key services to Defence Pensioners and their dependents:
Profile Updates: Pensioners can easily update their personal information.
Grievance Registration: A platform to register and track complaints.
Digital Annual Identification: Simplifies the process of annual verification.
Data Verification: Ensures accurate and up-to-date pension Records.
Detailed Pension Information: Access to comprehensive pension details.
2. Government to Citizen (G2C) Services: These include a range of e-governance services that allow Veterans to access government services without the need to visit multiple offices
3. Business to Consumer (B2C) Services: These services include banking solutions provided by HDFC Bank, which has partnered with the Indian Army to offer financial services at these centers.
Future Expansion Plans
The first phase of Project NAMAN includes the establishment of 14 CSCs in key locations such as New Delhi, Jalandhar, Leh, Dehradun, Lucknow, Jodhpur, Bengdubi, Gorakhpur, Jhansi, Secunderabad, Saugor, Guntur, Ahmedabad, and Bangalore. These centres are strategically located to ensure that Veterans and their families can access them easily. The project plans to expand further, with approximately 200 centres to be established nationwide over the next 2-3 years.
Conclusion
Project NAMAN represents a significant step forward in the Indian Army’s efforts to support its Veterans and their families. By leveraging digital technology through the SPARSH system and establishing CSCs managed by Veterans and NOKs, the project aims to provide efficient, accessible, and high-quality services to the Defence community. This initiative not only addresses the immediate needs of Defence Pensioners but also empowers Veterans through entrepreneurship, ensuring they continue to contribute to society in meaningful ways.
The Indian Army’s commitment to its Veterans and their families is evident in the comprehensive approach of Project NAMAN. By recognizing the invaluable contributions of its Defence personnel and providing them with the support they deserve, the Indian Army is setting a new standard for Veteran care and support in India.
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