The Defence Ministry has signed agreements to bring four major banks Bank of India, Canara Bank, Central Bank of India, and Utkarsh Small Finance Bank onboard as SPARSH service centres. This effort, managed by the Defence Accounts Department (DAD), aims to connect pensioners directly to services through the web-based SPARSH platform.
According to the MoUs signed in Delhi, the SPARSH Service Centres will be accessible across 1,128 branches of these four banks nationwide. This expansion is expected to provide substantial support to pensioners, particularly the ones residing in remote or underserved areas. The service centres in these bank branches will be important places where pensioners can update their profiles, register complaints, complete their annual digital identification, and verify their data. They will also provide detailed information about monthly pension payments. These services will be free for pensioners, with any small service charges covered by the Defence Accounts Department (DAD).
SPARSH was implemented in 2021 to address the complexities and inefficiencies associated with traditional pension administration. This web-based platform integrates the entire process of sanctioning and disbursing defence pensions, thus ensuring a seamless and automated system. One of the key features of SPARSH is its Pensioner Portal, which acts as a comprehensive one-stop solution for pensioners. Through this portal, pensioners can access a range of services including viewing pension details, pension entitlements, and profile information. It also provides access to essential documents like Income Tax forms.
The Defence Ministry’s release emphasised that this move significantly boosts the reach of SPARSH services. With the inclusion of the new banks, SPARSH will now be available at over 26,000 branches of 15 banks nationwide. This extensive network is complemented by 199 dedicated service centres operated by DAD and more than 3.75 lakh Common Service Centers (CSCs) across the country. This broad accessibility will ensure that defence pensioners have multiple avenues to access the services they need, thereby enhancing the convenience and reducing the dependency on physical visits to DAD offices.
Connecting SPARSH with a large number of bank branches shows the Ministry’s dedication to using technology to improve service delivery and management. By directly depositing pensions into pensioners’ bank accounts, the system reduces mistakes and delays, making the process more reliable and transparent.
Moreover, the Defence Ministry’s plan shows a modern approach, using digital tools to solve old administrative problems. The success of SPARSH can inspire other government departments to update their services. This initiative helps pensioners and supports the larger goals of Digital India, promoting technology as a key part of public services.
With the addition of 1,128 branches from four new banks, more pensioners, including those living far away in rural areas, can now easily access SPARSH services. This makes it simpler for pensioners to get help without having to go to far-off government offices. Especially for older people and those with disabilities, being able to visit nearby bank branches for SPARSH services is very helpful. These service centres at banks will assist pensioners in updating their information, complaining about any problems they have, doing yearly digital checks, and making sure their details are correct.
This streamlined process ensures that their information is accurate and up-to-date, so there’s no delay in getting things done. SPARSH makes sure pensions are sent straight to bank accounts without mistakes or waiting because it’s all automated. Pensioners don’t have to pay for these services. If there are any small fees, the Defence Accounts Department pays for them, so pensioners don’t have to worry about money stopping them from getting the help they need.
Pensioners can complain about problems and check on them through the service centres and the website. This organised way of handling complaints makes sure that problems get solved quickly and well. Adding bank branches as service centers makes the help system for pensioners even stronger, along with the 199 DAD service centres and 3.75 lakh Common Service Centers. Being able to handle their pension stuff on their own through the website and service centers makes pensioners feel more in charge of their money situation.
The agreements between the Defence Ministry and Bank of India, Canara Bank, Central Bank of India, and Utkarsh Small Finance Bank are a big deal for retired military personnel. These agreements mean that more retired soldiers will get better help with their pensions. With these deals, the Ministry is making sure that pensioners get the help they need quickly and easily, which will make their lives after retirement better.
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