Give priority to pensioners for seeding Aadhaar: Government to banks

All banks have been asked to give priority to pensioners visiting their branches for seeding of Aadhaar numbers with their bank accounts, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said on Friday.

He said special camps are being held to facilitate recording of Aadhaar numbers in pensioners' accounts till June 10 in pension disbursing banks and their branches all across the country.

He said pensioners can approach their paying branches with the Pension Payment Order (PPO), Aadhaar card and bank pass book for trouble-free seeding.

Singh, Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, said it is hoped that a large number of pensioners will benefit from the camps.

"So as to reach the pensioners and family pensioners located in the remotest corners of the country, this event will be publicised through radio jingles, hand bills, local cable TV network etc.," he said.

Various steps are being taken by the government and pension disbursing banks to sensitise pensioners and bank branches to link up Aadhaar number, PPO number and bank account number so that all pensioners can avail the 'Jeevan Pramaan' facility.

Jeevan Pramaan is an initiative launched by the Department of Pension and Pensioners' Welfare, for the benefit of aged and infirm pensioners or family pensioners.

"Under the scheme, digital life certificates can be submitted by pensioners from personal computers and laptops at home or by visiting a conveniently located common service centre or the nearest branch of any pension disbursing bank," a press release issued by Personnel Ministry said.

"Submission of digital life certificate also ensures authenticity of pension payments. So far, more than 15 lakh certificates have been attempted," the release said.

There are 58 lakh central government pensioners.

Meanwhile, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), which issues Aadhaar—a 12-digit unique identification number—which acts as a proof of identity and address, anywhere in the country, has launched a special enrolment drive for pensioners.

The drive, being conducted till June 10, will enable pensioners avail the convenience of Jeevan Pramaan.