NEW DELHI, Feb 22: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh, emphasized the continual introduction of pension reforms under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. With a keen focus on elder citizens and women, these reforms leverage the latest technology tools to enhance their quality of life.During the 33rd meeting of the Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA) and 10th Nation-wide Pension Adalat in New Delhi, Dr Jitendra Singh commended the Department of Pension’s dedication to formulating policies that empower women and ensure a dignified and comfortable life for them.Highlighting women-centric reforms, Dr Jitendra Singh announced that divorced daughters, filing for divorce before the parents’ demise, are eligible for family pension. Additionally, families of missing employees under NPS can now receive a family pension within six months of lodging an FIR, avoiding the previous seven-year waiting period. The minister also emphasized enhanced family pension rates for government servants who die before completing seven years of service.Addressing the SCOVA body, Dr Jitendra Singh encouraged suggestions and new ideas for the benefit of the department, showcasing the Department of Pension’s transformation into a reform-driven entity under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He underlined the government’s commitment to provide necessary facilities and support, aiming to make India a global leader in winter sports.Dr Jitendra Singh expressed pride in the department’s initiatives like the single pension form and the Jeevan Praman (Digital Life Certificate), offering pensioners the option to submit the certificate online. He highlighted the “Face-Authentication Technology” system and the doorstep facility for Digital Life Certificate submission.Presiding over the Nation-wide Pension Adalat, Dr Jitendra Singh stated that the redressal of pensioner grievances is a high priority for the Modi Government. Pension Adalats, organized by the Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare, provide on-the-spot resolutions for pensioners’ concerns.In this meeting, pensioner grievances from various ministries and departments were discussed, with 60 percent of the cases being resolved on the spot. The Minister urged the participating stakeholders to contribute ideas for the continued betterment of the department.
