Ease of Living for Pensioners through Digital Empowerment: DLC Campaign 3.0 Achieves Milestones – 1.30 Crore DLCs Generated

 Ease of Living for Pensioners through Digital Empowerment: DLC Campaign 3.0 Achieves Milestones – 1.30 Crore DLCs Generated

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

Ease of Living for Pensioners through Digital Empowerment: DLC Campaign 3.0 Achieves Milestones – 1.30 Crore DLCs Generated

Over 39 lakh DLCs, representing more than 30%, were generated using Face Authentication Technology, 200 times increase over previous Campaign

The DLC Campaign 3.0 was the largest ever campaign conducted for Improving Pensioners Welfare in India

Posted On: 01 DEC 2024 4:18PM by PIB Delhi

The Department of Pensions and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) has successfully concluded the Digital Life Certificate (DLC) Campaign 3.0. This initiative, launched to simplify life digital life certificate submissions, particularly for super senior pensioners, has set significant milestones by leveraging innovative technologies and widespread collaboration with all the stakeholders. The DPPW would like to thank all officials, pensioners, pensioner welfare associations, pension disbursing banks, IPPB, the CGDA, the Ministry of Railways, the Department of Posts, the Department of Telecom, EPFO, the UIDAI, MeitY, DD News, AIR, PIB, PTI, SANSAD TV who have strived tirelessly to make the DLC Campaign 3.0 a success from November 1-30, 2024.

Outcomes and Key Achievements

• The DLC Campaign 3.0 was the largest ever campaign conducted for Improving Pensioners Welfare in India, generated 1.30 crores of DLCs.
• Over 39 lakh DLCs, representing more than 30%, were generated using Face Authentication Technology. 200 times increase over DLC 2.0 Campaign. This groundbreaking technology proved particularly beneficial for; Elderly pensioners with faded fingerprints, Differently-abled individuals facing mobility challenges and Pensioners living in rural and remote areas.
• Focused efforts led to the submission of a substantial number of DLCs by pensioners aged 80 and above, more than 8 Lakh DLCs submitted. IPPB took the lead in delivering doorstep services for super senior pensioners.
• The campaign strived to achieve a saturation model, aimed at complete coverage across the country to ensure no pensioner was left behind, prioritizing underserved populations. Collaborative efforts by banks, post offices, and volunteer networks underpinned the campaign’s universal coverage model.
• Extensive collaboration between stakeholders. Officials of DPPW strived tirelessly for the success of the Campaign coordinating with multiple stakeholders.
• DD NEWS and AIR as also SANSAD TV and print media PTI, PIB, propagated the DLC Campaign 3.0 widely, this significant media outreach raised awareness, reaching over 122 million people nationwide.

Vision for Digital Empowerment

Aligned with the Digital India vision, the campaign embodies the Honorable Prime Minister’s efforts to enhance the ease of living for senior citizens. In his Mann Ki Baat on November 24, 2024, he lauded the initiative’s ability to empower elderly pensioners with technology, enabling them to submit DLCs from their homes. The Prime Minister also highlighted during his Constitution Day address on November 26, 2024, how this shift has eliminated the inconvenience of physical bank visits for senior citizens.

Launch of the Campaign, Geographical Spread and Stakeholders

DLC Campaign 3.0 was launched on November 6, 2024, at the National Media Center, New Delhi by Dr Jitendra Singh Hon’ble MOS PP, he provided leadership and guidance to the DLC Campaign 3.0.

The DLC Campaign 3.0 involved a multi-stakeholder approach, including contributions from 19 banks, India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), the Controller General of Defence Accounts, and other key departments. 1845 camps were organized across 800+ cities and districts nationwide. Over 1100 nodal officers ensured seamless operations, addressing technical challenges and facilitating efficient DLC submissions. Deployment of 1.8 lakh postmen for on-ground assistance.

Achievements Across Campaigns

• DLC 1.0 (2022): Covered 37 cities, processing 91 lakh life certificates (1.41 crore DLCs by March 2023).
• DLC 2.0 (2023): Expanded to 100 cities, generating 1.17 crore DLCs (1.47 crore DLCs by March 2024).
• DLC 3.0 (2024): As of 30th November, 2024, achieved remarkable success with over 1.30 crore DLCs processed, building on previous campaigns. By March 2025 it aims to achieve over 1.60 crore of DLC submissions.

Role of Banks and IPPB: A Cornerstone of Campaign Success

Leading banks like SBI, IPPB, PNB, and Canara Bank played a critical role in the campaign’s success by generating 11.3, 7.3, 2.7 and 1.8 Lakh DLCs respectively. Banks have conducted specialized camps in 150 cities covering 750+ locations, assisting pensioners with limited digital resources. These efforts ensured that pensioners without access to smartphones or the internet could submit their life certificates with ease. All Pension Disbursing Banks achieved 40 percent of the DLC’s, which is another first. This percentage will further increase in December 2024 when residual pensioners submit their DLC’s.

DLCs Distribution between States

• Maharashtra: Achieved 20 lakh DLCs through strong coordination and public awareness campaigns.
• Tamil Nadu: Generated 13 lakh DLCs through innovative outreach strategies.
• Uttar Pradesh: Processed 11 lakh DLCs, ensuring accessibility even in remote regions.
• West Bengal: 10 lakh DLC submissions.

Outstanding Contributions by Key Ministries/Departments

• Central Civil: Facilitated 6 lakh DLCs, with significant use of face authentication.
• Defense: Processed 25 lakh DLCs, serving retired armed forces personnel.
• Railways: Delivered 4 lakh DLCs, supporting retired employees.
• Posts: 3 Lakh DLC submissions.
• Telecom: Enabled 3 lakh DLCs, leveraging its extensive network.

Best Practices

• Extensive Publicity and Outreach: Wide publicity through local newspapers, TV channels, DD, AIR, and social media platforms. Pre-event announcements via PIB statements and advertisements to ensure awareness. Campaign jingles on AIR and message scrolls on DD.
• Dedicated Infrastructure and Support at Camps: Specialized DLC counters set up at banks and other locations. Comfortable seating arrangements with facilities like refreshments for attendees. Awareness drives about Face Authentication and guidance on downloading and using related mobile apps.
• Enhanced Accessibility for Pensioners: Doorstep services by India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), including home visits for elderly and bedridden pensioners. Separate counters for high-demand areas and special arrangements for immobile pensioners. Dedicated lounges and health check-up facilities at many locations.
• Collaborative Implementation: Active participation of bank staff, UIDAI teams, and Pensioner Welfare Associations (PWAs). On-the-spot Aadhaar updates and assistance with app installations. Guidance on investment options and awareness on handling cyber frauds.
• Focus on Face Authentication Technology: Promoted the use of the Face Authentication App for easier and faster DLC submission. Demonstrated and installed the app on pensioners’ and relatives’ smartphones during camps.
• Super Senior and Sick Pensioners Outreach: Special efforts to reach the most vulnerable groups, including more than 90-year-old pensioners and bedridden individuals. Home visits by “Dakiyas” (postal workers) for those unable to travel.
• Documentation and Knowledge Sharing: Documented and shared best practices via social media and other communication channels. Encouraged banks to replicate successful models in other regions.

Role of Pensioners Welfare Associations

57 associations played a crucial role in raising awareness and guiding pensioners through the process, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Their outreach efforts ensured even the most vulnerable groups could access the digital system with ease.

Monitoring and Public Outreach

Senior officers from DoPPW conducted on-ground reviews in 16 states and attended 5 mega camps (3 in Delhi, 1 in Bengaluru and 1 in Hyderabad) to ensure smooth implementation. There was tremendous enthusiasm witnessed in each of the mega camps in New Delhi, Benguluru and Hyderabad. Central Civil Service Pensioners, Defence Pensioners, EPFO pensioners and State Govt Pensioners availed the DLC services during the Campaign.

Media campaigns amplified the message through; 67 PIB statements and 2600+ tweets, TV discussions on DD News and Sansad TV, as well as radio broadcasts on AIR, Reaching over 122 million people through traditional and digital media. Several success stories have been presented across the Nation, which have been widely shared on social media.

Looking Ahead

The DPPW is privileged to coordinate the DLC Campaign 3.0 and work closely with all stakeholders for Improving Pensioners Welfare as a step towards achieving Viksit Bharat. DLC Campaign 3.0 demonstrates DoPPW’s unwavering commitment to digital empowerment of pensioners. Building on this momentum, the initiative sets the stage for even greater achievements in the coming year.

 

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NKR/KS