Non accessibility of SPARSH for pensioners settled abroad – CGDA

Non accessibility of SPARSH for pensioners settled abroad – CGDA clarifies to MoD (NAVY) the issues reported for NRI pensioners 

CONTROLLER GENERAL OF DEFENCE ACCOUNTS
Ulan Batar Road, Palam, Delhi Cantt.- 110010

File No. PENS-5702012/2/2023-PENS

Dated: 31.03.2023.

Through e-mail

To
The O I/c
Directorate of Pay & Allowances
IHQ of MoD (Navy)
Room No. 108, 1st Floor,
Annexe Building, Talkatora Stadium
New Delhi — 110004 .

Sub: – Non accessibility of SPARSH for pensioners settled abroad.
Ref: – DPA (Navy) mail dated 17.02.2023

It is intimated that issues reported for NRI pensioners vide their mail cited under reference have been reviewed by this office. Point-wise replies of the same are as follows:-

i) Difficulty in submission of life certificate: PCDA (P) Prayagraj has already put in place instructions for submission of life certificate by NRI pensioners/family pensioners as available prior to implementation of SPARSH. Copy of circular issued by PCDA (P) is available on their website for easy accessibility. A copy of the same is also attached herewith.

ii) Seeding of PIO in place of Aadhaar: As per information available on MHA website, PIO card is issued to person of Indian origin who is citizen of another country. It is not applicable for NRI citizens and has a validity period of 15 years. As Government has not extended its usage as proof of identity for pensioners, the same cannot be accepted in place of Aadhaar.

iii) Accessibility of SPARSH portal outside India: Geo-fencing has been implemented for SPARSH portal and has been vetted by CIRA before giving Cyber Security clearance. Matter has also been discussed in past during various weekly review meetings held in MoD under chairmanship of the then Defence Secretary, and based on discussion, status quo has been maintained so far.

This issues with the approval of Joint CGDA (Pen).

[Raye Rima Gupta]
For CGDA

Source: CGDA