Centre Launches Integrated Pensioners’ Portal

The Centre has recently started a port for pensioners in collaboration with Bank of India. The Integrated Pensioners’ Portal of Bank of India combines the pension processing and payment services of 5 banks into a single window.

1. In a statement, the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) said the platform has been launched to digitalise pension services and enhance the welfare of pensioners.

Key Features of the Integrated Pensioners' Portal:

1. Digitization of Pension Processing and Payment: The portal is designed to ensure complete digitization of the pension processing and payment system, enhancing efficiency and transparency.
2. Consolidation of Pension Services: It combines the pension processing and payment services of 5 major banks (Bank of India, State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Punjab National Bank, and Canara Bank) into a single window, simplifying access for pensioners.
3. Transparency and Efficiency: The IPP's primary objective is to achieve transparency and efficiency in pension-related services, ensuring a streamlined and hassle-free experience for pensioners.
4. Online Pension Form Submission: The system enables pensioners to capture their personal and service particulars, allowing for the online submission of pension forms, reducing paperwork and expediting the process.
5. Real-Time Updates: Retirees are notified about the progress of their pension sanction through SMS or email, keeping them informed throughout the process.
6. Convenient Access to Pension Information: Retirees can access their monthly pension slips, check the status of life certificates, submit Form 16, and view statements of arrears paid, all within the IPP portal.
7. Integrated Platforms: The portal includes the Bhavishya platform and the Centralised Pension Grievances Redress and Monitoring System (CPENGRAMS), providing additional features and support.

Bhavishya Platform:

1. Online Pension Tracking System: Bhavishya is an online Pension Sanction & Payment Tracking System launched by the Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare.
2. Real-Time Tracking: It allows individuals and administrative authorities to track the pension sanction and payment process, ensuring timely and accurate disbursement of pension benefits.
3. Personal and Service Particulars Capture: The system captures pensioners' personal and service particulars for efficient processing.
4. Online Form Submission: Pension forms can be submitted online, reducing the need for physical documentation and visits to banks.
5. Progress Updates: Retiring employees are kept informed about the progress of the pension sanction process through SMS or email, ensuring transparency and accountability.
6. Reduced Delays: Bhavishya eliminates delays in pension payments by ensuring complete transparency and establishing accountability in the pension sanction and payment process.

CPENGRAMS:

1. Online Grievance Redressal: CPENGRAMS is an online web-enabled system for the speedy redressal of pension-related grievances of various Central Government Ministries, Departments, and Organizations.
2. Online Facilities: CPENGRAMS offers online facilities such as registration of pension grievances, forwarding of reminders, and querying the status of registered grievances, providing pensioners with a convenient and accessible grievance redressal mechanism.
3. Fast Access and Monitoring: The system is designed to facilitate speedy redress and effective monitoring of grievances, ensuring prompt resolution and satisfaction for pensioners.
4. Appeal Mechanism: Pensioners have the right to appeal if they are not satisfied with the redressal of their grievance, ensuring their concerns are addressed appropriately.

Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA):

1. The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) is a statutory regulatory body established under the PFRDA Act enacted in 2014.
2. It is responsible for promoting old-age income security by establishing, developing, and regulating pension funds.
3. PFRDA protects the interests of subscribers to schemes of pension funds and related matters and comes under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance.

 

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