Clarifications on OROP – II and SPARSH.

Dear Sir,

1. Many veterans approach me seeking clarifications on OROP – II and SPARSH. 

I send those doubts to Lt Col Ranjan Kumar, OiC, DPCC, PCDA (Pensions) Prayagaraj. He called me at 1145 hrs today 07 Mar (Holi festival day) and clarified my doubts. I am giving these in the subsequent paras.

2. There are four categories of pensioners. First category is *Migrated to SPARSH*. The revision of pension as per OROP – II is being done by PCDA (Pensions) Prayagraj on war footing and all will get their arrears in due course. Whether it is one go or in four half yearly instalments is not known to Principal Controller himself. This is not yet being conveyed by Min of Def to PCDA (Pensions) Prayagraj. Pensioner should not worry on this account.

3. The second category are those who are *migrated to SPARSH and not benefited by OROP – II* as their pension in Jun 2019 is higher than pension in OROP – II. SMSs are being sent to those who are already migrated to SPARSH.

4. Third category are those pensioners *retired in the period Jul 2014 to 30 Jun 2019 and are not yet migrated to SPARSH*. PPOs were made and sent to all CPPCs as the pensioners are not yet migrated. Pension revision as per OROP – II will be done by CPPCs of banks for which instructions have been issued to them by PCDA (Pensions) Prayagraj. Officers retired in this period are to log into RODRA and see their own PPOs. For JCOs /OR the Record Officers have received the PPOs and they are required to approach their Record Office to get a copy of PPO revised with OROP – II pension.

5. Fourth Category of Pensioners. Those are not yet migrated to SPARSH and retired prior to Jun 2014 like I am. Their CPPCs will work out their arrears and remit the revised pension with arrears. Whether it is in one go or in four instalments is not known. Instructions will be issue later. 

5. *20 Mar 2023 for Submission of Life Certificate*. It has been clarified that this is applicable only to those who did not give their life certificate to their banks in Nov 2022. They are given extension of three months till 28 Feb 2023 and again given one more extension till 20 Mar 2023. They are to go to their banks / CSCs / DPDOs / Col Veterans in HQ Sub Area or Helpline Centres in Comd HQ  and give their life certificate. They can send the life certificate as it was done in Jeevan Pramaan with PDA as SPARSH / PCDA(Pensions) Prayagraj. They can also get Manual Life Certificate and signed by a gazette officer and send it to SPARSH.

6. *Those who Gave their Life Certificate in Nov 22 to their banks Need NOT submit again.* Their life certificates have been collected from the banks at the time of migration along with their Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Mobile No and Email address.

7. *Reason for Removal of Circular 667*. It is not known and none in PCDA (Pensions) Prayagraj are aware of it. They just have been told to remove it and faithfully it was done. 

warm regards, 

Brig CS Vidyasagar (Retd)