Comprehensive Guide to Digital Life Certificate (DLC)

Understanding Digital Life Certificate (DLC)

The Digital Life Certificate (DLC), also known as Jeevan Pramaan, is an innovative online system introduced by the government in 2014. This initiative allows pensioners to submit their life certificates digitally, removing the necessity for physical visits to banks or post offices to ensure the continuity of their pension.

How Does Jeevan Pramaan Work?

The Jeevan Pramaan portal operates using Aadhaar-based biometric authentication. This enables pensioners to generate their life certificates online independently or by attending designated camps. Since 2021, face authentication has been included as an alternative for pensioners, enhancing convenience.

Annual DLC Campaign

Every November, the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) organizes a month-long campaign aimed at assisting pensioners in the submission of their life certificates. Various camps are set up across cities and towns, including Indian missions abroad, allowing pensioners to generate their DLCs effortlessly.

Who Needs to Submit a Life Certificate?

All retirees receiving pensions from government sources—including Defence services, Railways, public sector undertakings, and central government employees—must submit a life certificate annually to maintain their pension benefits.

Support for Pensioners

As of March 31, approximately 64.88 lakh central government pensioners, which include civilian, Defence, Railways, telecom, and postal pensioners, benefit from this initiative. Last year, 1.47 crore life certificates were successfully generated through the campaign.

Current Progress of the DLC Campaign

During the first 11 days of this year's campaign, over 48.10 lakh DLCs were generated. There has been a notable increase in the adoption of fingerprint authentication, reaching 31%. States such as Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka reported the highest numbers of certificates generated.

Requirements to Generate a DLC

Pensioners are required to have an Aadhaar number, a registered mobile number, and biometric authentication (either fingerprint or face) to generate a DLC. If they opt to generate a DLC independently without attending a camp, they must also possess a biometric device.

Physical Submission Options

For those who prefer traditional methods, pensioners can still visit banks or post offices to submit their life certificates in person. The emphasis on digital empowerment simplifies the process, offering ease, independence, and dignity to those it serves.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is a Digital Life Certificate?
Answer: A Digital Life Certificate (DLC), or Jeevan Pramaan, is an online system that allows pensioners to submit their life certificates digitally, thereby eliminating the need for physical visits to banks or post offices.

Q2. Who is required to submit a life certificate?
Answer: All retirees receiving pensions from the government, including those from Defence services, Railways, and public sector undertakings, must submit a life certificate annually.

Q3. How does the Jeevan Pramaan portal work?
Answer: The portal uses Aadhaar-based biometric authentication enabling pensioners to generate their life certificates either online or at designated camps with options for fingerprint and face authentication.

Q4. What are the requirements for generating a DLC?
Answer: Pensioners need an Aadhaar number, a registered mobile number, and biometric authentication. If generating independently, they must also have a biometric device.

Q5. How has the current DLC campaign progressed?
Answer: In the initial days of this year’s campaign, over 48.10 lakh DLCs were generated, with significant growth in fingerprint authentication adoption reported across various states.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the primary function of the Digital Life Certificate (DLC)?
A) To provide pension funds
B) To digitally verify a pensioner's life
C) To issue Aadhaar cards
D) To manage pension accounts
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: Which year was the Jeevan Pramaan system launched?
A) 2010
B) 2012
C) 2014
D) 2016
Correct Answer: C

Question 3: What is required for biometric authentication in the Jeevan Pramaan system?
A) Aadhar number
B) Registered mobile number
C) Fingerprint or face recognition
D) All of the above
Correct Answer: D

Question 4: How often must pensioners submit their life certificates?
A) Monthly
B) Quarterly
C) Annually
D) Biannually
Correct Answer: C

Question 5: What additional feature was introduced in 2021 for Jeevan Pramaan?
A) Online payments
B) Face authentication
C) Mobile app
D) SMS alerts
Correct Answer: B

Question 6: Which states reported the highest number of DLCs generated?
A) Delhi and Gujarat
B) Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu
C) Punjab and Haryana
D) Rajasthan and Bihar
Correct Answer: B