• The Department of Pensions and Pensioners' Welfare has concluded Campaign 3.0, issuing 1.30 crore digital life certificates (DLCs).
• Over 39 lakh DLCs were generated using Face Authentication Technology, benefiting elderly and differently-abled pensioners.
• The campaign aims to process over 1.60 crore DLCs by March 2025, with a focus on super senior pensioners.
• The success of the campaign aligns with the Digital India vision, demonstrating the potential of technology in governance and citizen welfare.

The Department of Pensions and Pensioners' Welfare, under the Centre, has successfully concluded its Campaign 3.0, marking a significant stride towards digital empowerment. The campaign was launched to simplify the submission of digital life certificates (DLCs), particularly for super senior pensioners. According to an official statement released on Sunday, the campaign has issued 1.30 crore DLCs. The campaign has set significant milestones by leveraging innovative technologies and widespread collaboration with all stakeholders.

A notable achievement of the campaign is the generation of over 39 lakh DLCs, representing more than 30 per cent of the total, using Face Authentication Technology. This marks a 200-fold increase over the previous DLC 2.0 Campaign, highlighting the groundbreaking nature of the technology employed. The use of Face Authentication Technology has proven particularly beneficial for a range of pensioners. This includes elderly pensioners with faded fingerprints, differently-abled individuals facing mobility challenges, and pensioners residing in rural and remote areas.

Campaign 3.0: Aiming for Complete Coverage

As of November 30, 2024, over 1.30 crore DLCs were processed, building on the achievements of previous campaigns. The campaign aims to process over 1.60 crore DLC submissions by March 2025, indicating a continued commitment to digital empowerment for pensioners. The campaign has also made focused efforts to cater to super senior pensioners, those aged 80 and above. More than 8 lakh DLCs were submitted by this group, with India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) taking the lead in delivering doorstep services for these super senior pensioners.

The campaign has strived to achieve a saturation model, aimed at complete coverage across the country. This ensures that no pensioner is left behind, with a particular focus on reaching underserved populations. This universal coverage model has been made possible through collaborative efforts by banks, post offices, and volunteer networks. State-wise, Maharashtra achieved the highest number of DLCs, with 20 lakh submissions. This was achieved through strong coordination and public awareness campaigns. Tamil Nadu followed with 13 lakh DLCs, Uttar Pradesh processed 11 lakh DLCs, and West Bengal recorded 10 lakh DLCs.

Key Contributions and Future Goals

Key Ministries have also made outstanding contributions to the campaign. The Central Civil facilitated 6 lakh DLCs, with significant use of face authentication. The Defence Ministry processed 25 lakh DLCs, serving retired armed forces personnel. The Railways delivered 4 lakh DLCs, supporting retired employees. The Posts Ministry facilitated 3 lakh DLC submissions, and the Telecom Ministry enabled 3 lakh DLCs, leveraging its extensive network.

Leading banks have also played a critical role in the campaign's success. State Bank of India (SBI), IPPB, Punjab National Bank (PNB), and Canara Bank generated 11.3, 7.3, 2.7 and 1.8 Lakh DLCs respectively. These banks have conducted specialised camps in 150 cities covering over 750 locations, assisting pensioners with limited digital resources. These efforts have ensured that pensioners without access to smartphones or the internet could submit their life certificates with ease. All Pension Disbursing Banks achieved 40 per cent of the DLCs, which is another first for the campaign. This percentage is expected to further increase in December 2024 when residual pensioners submit their DLCs.

The success of the DLC Campaign 3.0 is a testament to the transformative potential of technology in governance and citizen welfare. It aligns with the Digital India vision and embodies the Prime Minister's efforts to enhance the ease of living for senior citizens. The campaign's achievements are reminiscent of similar historical events where technology was leveraged to empower citizens, such as the Aadhaar project. The continued commitment to digital empowerment for pensioners, as demonstrated by the DLC Campaign 3.0, is a promising sign for the future of digital governance in India.