SPARSH for NRI & NDG Pensioners
The System for Pension Administration (RAKSHA) or SPARSH, introduced by the Indian government, has revolutionized pension management for defence personnel. SPARSH facilitates the direct credit of pensions into the accounts of pensioners and offers a transparent, accessible platform for managing pension-related queries and documentation. While this platform is efficient for users within India, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Nepal-Domiciled Gorkha (NDG) pensioners face unique challenges due to geographical restrictions on accessing the SPARSH portal from outside India. This article will provide an in-depth look at the newly issued guidelines and email-based services offered by SPARSH for NRI & NDG pensioners.
1. Challenges for NRI and NDG Pensioners
NRIs & NDG pensioners have been drawing their defence pensions through SPARSH. However, due to geo-fencing restrictions on the SPARSH portal, users outside India have faced difficulties accessing their pension accounts and services. This limitation has been a major concern for defence pensioners residing abroad, particularly when it comes to crucial services like annual identification, the initiation of family pensions, and updating personal information.
Recognizing these challenges, the Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Pensions) [PCDA (Pensions), Prayagraj] has taken significant steps to streamline SPARSH services for NRI & NDG pensioners. Earlier, the PCDA had provided five separate email addresses for NRI pensioners to submit their annual life certificates (जीवन प्रमाण पत्र), categorized by their service type. However, these instructions have now been superseded by the introduction of a new, simplified process.
2. Introduction of a Dedicated Email Service:
sparshnri.dad@gov.in
To enhance accessibility and ease the process for NRIs and NDG pensioners, the government has now introduced a dedicated email ID: sparshnri.dad@gov.in This email-based service is designed to accommodate the needs of NRI & NDG pensioners, enabling them to access several SPARSH services without logging into the portal from abroad. The services available through this email include:
- Annual Identification: Submission of the annual life certificate (जीवन प्रमाण पत्र) to ensure the continuation of the pension.
- Initiation of Family Pension: Reporting the death of an existing pensioner and starting the family pension for the next of kin (NoK).
- Reporting Employment: For pensioners who are employed or re-employed in government roles outside India.
- Updating Email and Contact Details: To ensure timely receipt of notifications regarding payments and other pension-related information.
- Updating Aadhaar/PAN: For updating personal identification details like Aadhaar and PAN.
- My Documents: Requesting Form-16, PPO copies, and other personal financial documents.
- Grievance Submission: For addressing any issues related to pension disbursement or other services.
3. How to Use the Dedicated Email Service
NRI & NDG pensioners can now submit requests or access services via the dedicated email ID. While sending an email, pensioners are required to mention the service they are requesting in the subject line, along with their Rank, Name, and SPARSH PPO number for proper categorization and prioritization of their request.
For example:
- For submitting a life certificate:
Subject: Annual Identification – Rank Name – SPARSH PPO No 123456789100 - For initiating family pension:
Subject: Initiate Family Pension – Rank Name – SPARSH PPO No 123456789100
4. Verification and Acknowledgement
Upon receiving an email, the SPARSH team will verify the attached documents and respond with an acknowledgment via email. It is important for pensioners to ensure that all required documents are legible, complete, and valid. In case of any discrepancies or missing documents, the request may be delayed or rejected. Once a request is successfully registered, a token number will be provided, which can be used for future reference or status tracking if no further communication is received.
5. Services Available via the Dedicated Email
Below is a detailed explanation of the services NRI and NDG pensioners can access through the dedicated email:
5.1 Annual Identification (Life Certificate Submission)
NRI & NDG pensioners can submit their life certificate (जीवन प्रमाण पत्र) for annual identification to ensure the continuation of their pension. The certificate must be signed and stamped by any of the following officials in the country where the pensioner resides:
- Embassy/High Commission of India or Consulate officials
- Indian Public Sector Bank officers attached to overseas branches
- Notary Public
- Pension-paying offices under the aegis of the Indian Embassy in Nepal
The life certificate can be submitted at any time during the year and is valid for 12 months from the date of submission. This prevents the rush during November, a peak period for life certificate submissions.
5.2 Initiating Family Pension
This service allows the next of kin (NoK) to report the death of a pensioner and request the initiation of the family pension. Along with the death certificate issued by local civil authorities, the following information must be provided for the NoK:
- Name, relationship, and date of birth
- Aadhaar and PAN (if available)
- Complete address and contact information, including email and Indian mobile number (if available)
- Bank account details (for NRI pensioners, NRE or savings accounts are allowed; for NDG pensioners, only Nepal SBI Bank and Everest Bank Limited accounts are accepted)
- A canceled cheque for the NoK’s bank account
Once the family pension is sanctioned, the NoK must submit a life certificate for their first identification.
5.3 Reporting Employment/Re-employment
NRI and NDG pensioners who are employed or re-employed in government jobs outside India are required to report this to SPARSH. This ensures proper regulation of dearness relief on their pension. A certificate from the employer indicating rank, pay scale, and date of employment must be attached. Pensioners can also report if they are receiving medical facilities from their employer.
5.4 Updating Personal Information
NRI & NDG Pensioners can request updates to their email ID, Aadhaar, and PAN to keep their SPARSH records accurate. Up-to-date contact information is essential for receiving timely notifications and monthly pension payment details.
5.5 My Documents
NRI & NDG Pensioners can request copies of Form-16, PPO, and other financial documents for their records. Monthly pension payment details are sent via email, so no additional requests for pension slips will be entertained.
5.6 Raising Grievances
If NRI & NDG pensioners encounter any issues related to pension disbursement or SPARSH services, they can raise grievances through the dedicated email. Pensioners are advised to provide a brief explanation of the issue along with any relevant documents for faster resolution.
6. Conclusion : SPARSH for NRI & NDG Pensioners
The introduction of the dedicated email service by SPARSH for NRI & NDG pensioners is a significant step in addressing the challenges faced by them. By streamlining the process and providing an accessible alternative to the geo-fenced portal, the Indian government ensures that all pensioners, regardless of location, can continue to receive their pensions and access essential services.
For NRI and NDG pensioners, this development provides much-needed relief and convenience. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, they can now efficiently manage their pension-related tasks and ensure a seamless experience with SPARSH.
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