INTRODUCTION
The Ministry of Defence has introduced a new web-based portal for the pensioners of the Armed Forces and Defence Civilians, called SPARSH. SPARSH stands for System for Pension Administration (RAKSHA), and it was launched in February 2021. SPARSH is a portal that aims to provide a transparent, accurate and timely pension service to the pensioners who have served our nation with dedication and honour. It is a step towards fulfilling the vision of ‘Correct Pension to Pensioner at Right Time’.
SPARSH is a one-stop solution that connects all the Concerned agencies in the pension process, from the Service Record Holder and the Pay Accounts Office to the Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Pensions), the Pension Disbursing Agency, and the pensioner. The portal covers all the activities of the pension cycle, from initiation and sanction to disbursement and revision. It also enables the pensioners to access various services and manage their grievances online.
SPARSH is not just an ordinary portal; it is a game-changer that aims to simplify and improve the pension services for pensioners. It is like a digital bridge that connects all the dots in the pension journey, ensuring a smooth ride from start to finish.
BENEFITS OF USING SPARSH
The portal offers a range of benefits for pensioners, making their pension-related matters easier and more convenient:
- Accurate Pension Payments: SPARSH eliminates errors and ensures that pensioners receive the right amount of pension on time.
- Individual Information Dissemination: Pensioners can access their personal information on the portal and their mobile devices. This keeps them updated with the latest status of their pensions.
- Reduction in Grievances: This portal reduces the number of grievances by providing all the pension-related information in one place. This avoids confusion and conflicts among the pensioners and the authorities.
- Single Source of Truth: SPARSH is the ultimate source of truth for all the pension information. No more discrepancies from different sources; It provides consistent and reliable information to everyone.
- Correct Accounting: This portal maintains a trustworthy record of financial transactions and entitlements for pensioners.
- Record of Individual Data: The portal keeps and saves everything that happened and what the pensioner got from the time the pension started to the time the pension stopped because the last person who could get it died. This shows the pensioner everything about his/her pension money and helps to fix any problems or mistakes.
HOW TO USE SPARSH PORTAL
Here’s how pensioners can use this portal:
- Getting Started: When you initiate your pension application, you become a part of SPARSH. Upon approval, you receive a unique account number, which also serves as your PPO Number. This information is delivered to your mobile number or email. Once you set a password, essential for login security, your SPARSH profile becomes active.
- Checking Your Data: SPARSH lets you check your pension data, also called as PDV. This step makes sure that you agree with the information given to the Pension Authority, and if there is any mismatch in the data you can rectify it, by lodging a grievance.
- Filling Forms: Pensioners can fill forms for declarations, nominations, and commutation on the portal. SPARSH also gives you choices for other services, making the process paperless and easy.
SPARSH SERVICES
This portal provides a range of services catering to both pre-and post-retirement needs:
1. Before Retirement Services:
Check Your Pension Data : also called as PDV or Pensioner data verification, make sure your pension data is correct.
Track Your Pension Claim: See the progress of your pension claim.
2. After Retirement Services:
Profile:
View Your Profile: See and review your profile.
Update Your Profile: Keep your profile updated.
Update Your Family/Dependent Details: Change and update your family or dependent details.
Pension:
View Your Entitlements: See what you are entitled to.
Pension Slips: Get pension slips for your records.
Income Tax: Handle your income tax matters.
Identification:
Digital Life Certificate: Send a digital life certificate online.
Manual Life Certificate: Send a manual life certificate through the portal.
Declarations: Send various declarations.
For Family:
Report Event: Report events like death, missing, conviction, etc.
Start Family Pension: Start family pension requests easily.
Grievance:
Raise Grievance: Raise grievances online.
Escalate Grievance: Escalate grievances if needed.
Track:
Track Service Request: See the status of service requests.
Track Grievance: See the status of raised grievances.
Track Migration Status: See the migration status for pensioners.
ACCESSING SPARSH
To access SPARSH, simply visit the official portal at https://sparsh.defencepension.gov.in/. For assistance and support, you can contact the Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Pensions) at Draupadi Ghat, Near Sadar Bazar, Pragyagraj, Uttar Pradesh 211014. The helpline number is 18001805325 during office hours. Additionally, informative videos related to SPARSH can be found on the official YouTube channel: SPARSH Official YouTube Channel ((2) DPTI Allahabad – YouTube).
Click Here to download SPARSH Handbook
CONCLUSION
SPARSH is a portal for the pensioners of the Armed Forces and Defence Civilians. It helps them with their pension. It is easy to use. SPARSH is a big step toward making the pension system better, clearer, and easier for those who have served our nation. The portal starts a new time in pension management. It shows the government’s promise to give the ‘Correct Pension to Pensioner at Right Time. Through this portal, we thank and help our veterans. We remember their sacrifices and work. As this digital wonder moves ahead, it becomes a sign of thanks, making the ties between the nation and its brave protectors stronger.
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