Life certification of more than 73 percent beneficiaries completed

Raipur : The Digital Life Certificate (DLC) campaign run by the Social Welfare Department of the Government of Chhattisgarh has set a new record for the beneficiaries of social security pension schemes. Aadhaar-based biometric life authentication of more than 73 percent of the beneficiaries linked to centrally sponsored pension schemes has been successfully completed. This achievement underlines the administrative efficiency of the state and the strength of digital good governance, making Chhattisgarh an example to emulate for other states of the country.

In the state, mainly old people, widows and abandoned women and disabled people are the main beneficiaries of social security pension. There are currently six pension schemes in operation – three central government (with additional top-up provided by the state) and three fully state-run. Under all the schemes, a monthly pension of Rs 500 is being given to the eligible beneficiaries, which is a strong basis for their financial security.
The biggest success of the campaign has been the mandatory Aadhaar based biometric verification, thereby ensuring that pensions are reaching only live and genuine beneficiaries. This has completely curbed fraud, duplicate and ineligible cases. While many states are considering life certification as a challenge, Chhattisgarh has made it easy and reliable through technological innovation and ground coordination.

Especially keeping in mind the convenience of the elderly and disabled people, arrangements have been made for verification at public service centres, cooperative institutions or special camps near their homes, so that they do not have to visit government offices. In many districts the progress has reached above 80 percent and in the remaining areas, special drives are underway to achieve the 100 percent target.

To make pension distribution transparent, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) has been given prominence. About 98 percent pension in the state is being transferred directly to bank accounts. Also, 75 per cent of pensioners’ accounts have been linked to Aadhaar, minimizing duplicate payments and errors.

Currently the DLC campaign is limited to around 8 lakh beneficiaries of central schemes, but in the next phase state schemes will also be included. Overall, this will result in digital verification of about 21 lakh pensioners.
At the national level, this initiative of Chhattisgarh presents an ideal example of digitalization, social security and good governance. With the combination of DLC, DBT and Aadhaar linking, the State has proven that sensitive use of technology can deliver benefits to the last mile in a timely and respectful manner.