SPARSH NEWS- CLARIFICATION OF PORTAL FOR PENSION SERVICES

Indian Military Veterans

SPARSH NEWS- CLARIFICATION OF PORTAL FOR PENSION SERVICES 

System for Pension Administration (RAKSHA) (SPARSH) is being implemented by Ministry of Defence for meeting the pension sanction and disbursement requirements for Armed Forces viz. Army, Navy, Air Force and Defence Civilians.

Overview of the system

• The Defence Pensioner will be given a completely transparent view of his pension account through a platform which will capture and maintain a complete history of events and entitlements the pensioner right from the date of commencement of pension to the date of cessation of pension due to his/her last eligible beneficiary.

• This system will be administered by the Defence Accounts Department through the Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Pensions) , Prayagraj and shall cater to all the three Services and allied organisations.

• The system would cater to all activities of the pension cycle namely:

o Initiation and Sanction

o Disbursement

o Revision

o Service and Grievance Request Management

How the system works 

• A person who’s pension is due is onboarded on the portal at the time of processing of his pension claim. The Pensioner is allotted a unique account number once his digitised audited pension claim is ready for forwarding to Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Pensions) for issue of Pension Payment Order. The Pensioner is informed of this account number on the mobile number/email address furnished by him at the time of furnishing his pension claim which he can use to onboard on this portal.

• Once the Service Record Holder and the corresponding Pay Accounts Office prepares the pension claim it is made available to the pensioner on the portal for verification. This process is called Pensioner Data Verification (PDV). PDV ensures that the pensioner has the final say with respect to the information furnished to the Pension Sanction Authority.

• The Portal also enables the pensioner to furnish the requisite declarations/ nominations/requests for commutation.

• The portal also provides the option to the pensioner to use enabled services for quicker processing of his requests and signing of declarations making his experience a truly paperless and hassle free one.

Services offered

1. Pre Retirement

1.1. Pensioner Data Verification (Verify Pension Claim)

• The audited claim data is made available in SPARSH Pensioner Portal to facilitate the pensioner to scrutinize his claim before processing of pension. This process is called pensioner data verification (PDV).

• The pensioner will be provided the login credentials on the mobile number and email id captured by the initiating agency.

• Using the system provided login credentials, the pensioner will be able to log on to the SPARSH Pensioner Portal for initiating the verification of data.

1.2. Track Pension Claim

2. Post Retirement

2.1 Profile

• View Pensioner Profile

• Update Pensioner Profile

• Update Family/Dependent Details

2.2 Pension

• View Entitlements

• Pension Slips

• Income Tax

2.3 Identification

• Digital Life Certificate

• Manual Life Certificate

• Declarations

2.4 For Family

• Report Event

• Death

• Missing

• Conviction

• Initiate Family Pension

2.5 Grievance

• Raise Grievance

• Escalate Grievance

2.6 Track

• Track Service Request

• Track Grievance

• Track Migration Status

How to access the services

To access the services, visit the portal https://sparsh.defencepension.gov.in/

For Help/Support contact

To view SPARSH related videos, click here

Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Pensions),

Draupadi Ghat, Near, Sadar Bazar, Prayagraj,

Uttar Pradesh - 211014.

Helpline number - 18001805325during office hours 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM

SPARSH Seva Kendras

The SPARSH Seva Kendras are points of contacts for the pensioners to avail the services that are available through the portal . These centres will provide interface and assistance to the Pensioner in the event of non-availability to portal access. To view the list of support centres, click here. 

FAQs

SPARSH Related Queries

How to check migration status to SPARSH

How can I change or update my login password ?

• You can update your password as applicable.

• Go to: My Profile > Change Password, and update as applicable.

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I have forgotten my login password. What should I do ?

1. You can change your forgotten password. Click on Forgot Password on the Login Screen, and update as applicable

2. You can call the SPARSH Helpline, provide necessary details and access using temporary password provided

3. You can visit the nearest Service Center, provide necessary details and access using temporary password provided

Will login in portal available 24*7 hours ?

Yes. You can access the SPARSH portal anytime & anywhere

Where can I find out the list of service centres in my area ?

• The list of active Service Centers is available on SPARSH.

• Go To: Contact & Support > SPARSH Near You > Service Center Locator

How can I avail services through Service Center ?

• You can visit your nearest Service Center & request for services to be availed by providing necessary identification data for verification.

• Verify yourself using OTP sent to your Registered Mobile Number (RMN), or answer a set of Security Questions

Can I be entertained at a Service Center if I visit there without my phone ?

To avail services at a Service Center, you need to verify yourself using OTP sent to your Registered Mobile Number (RMN), or answer a set of Security Questions

Are the services provided at service centre different from pensioner's portal ?

All services available on SPARSH can be availed via Pensioner Portal as well as Service Centers without any charges.

What are the timings of Service Centers ?

Working Hours: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM (Monday to Friday)

What should I do if an error message is displayed for 'Services Temporary Unavailable' while using SPARSH Portal?

1. Check internet connection

2. Check browser compatibility

You can alternatively reach out to us via SPARSH Helpline or visit the nearest Service Center to avail services

Pension Related Queries

How can I view my pension details? (Basic Pension, Disability Element, Gratuity, Other Entitlements etc.) ?

• You can view your pension details in SPARSH.

• Log in to your SPARSH account, and go to: My Documents > Entitlements

• Alternatively, you can access your PPO via My Documents > PPO

How can I view & download a copy of my monthly pension slips?

• You can view & download your pension slip in SPARSH.

• Log in to your SPARSH account, and go to: My Documents > Pension Slip

How can I view & download a copy of my Pension Payment Order (PPO)?

• You can view & download your pension payment order (PPO) in SPARSH.

• Log in to your SPARSH account, and go to: My Documents > Pension Slip

Where can I find the current & previous rates of DR applicable?

• The table of Dearness Relief (DR) rates applicable till date is available on SPARSH.

• Go To: Pension Orders & Information > Common Problems > Dearness Relief

How can I view the deduction of commutation amount from my pension?

• You can view & download your monthly pension payments & deductions in SPARSH.

• Log in to your SPARSH account, and go to: My Documents > Pension Slip

How can I view the date of restoration of the deduction of commutation amount?

• You can view your commutation details in SPARSH.

• Log in to your SPARSH account, and go to: My Documents > Entitlements

• Alternatively, you can access your PPO via My Documents > PPO

What to do if I am not getting correct rate of disability element?

• You can raise a payment related grievance for the same by logging into your SPARSH account.

• Log in to your SPARSH account, and go to: Grievances > Payment Related >

 Elements of Pension

How can I view that benefit of broadbanding has been given to me?

• You can view your pension details in SPARSH.

• Log in to your SPARSH account, and go to: My Documents > Entitlements

• Alternatively, you can access your PPO via My Documents > PPO

How can I view my projected tax details of the financial year?

• You can view your pension details in SPARSH.

• Log in to your SPARSH account, and go to: Services > Projected Tax Summary

Where can I find the latest rates of Gallantry applicable?

• The details for Gallantry Awards along with the applicable rates till date is available on SPARSH.

• Go To: Pension Orders & Information > Common Problems > Gallantry Awards

Where can I find the current & previous rates of Fixed Medical Allowance applicable?

• The details for Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) along with the applicable rates till date is available on SPARSH.

• Go To: Pension Orders & Information > Common Problems > Fixed Medical Allowance

Pensioner Data Verification

What is Pensioner Data Verification?

• Pensioner Data Verification (PDV) aims at enabling the retiree to verify his/her own details before sanction of pension. Applicable only for Service Pensioners.

• This activity should be completed within 15 days of notification via SMS/Email sent to your Registered Mobile Number/Email ID

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Pensioner Identification

My annual identification is due. How can I identify myself in SPARSH?

• You can identify yourself using Aadhar, or provide life certificates issued by designated authorities to have the entitled pension credited to your bank account.

• For identification using Aadhar (Digital Life Certificate): Go To: Services > Identification > Digital Life Certificate

• For identification using Manual Life Certificate: Go To: Services > Identification > Manual Life Certificate

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How can I view my next idenification date?

Go To: Services > Identification, and view details of your identification completed, including last identification date & next identification due date

How can I obtain a blank form of Manual Life Certificate?

You can identify yourself using Aadhar, or provide life certificates issued by designated authorities to have the entitled pension credited to your bank account.

For identification using Manual Life Certificate:

• Go To: Services > Identification > Perform Identification

• Generate your MLC Number & download the blank form for Manual Life Certificate

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Is there a time limit for uploading of Manual Life Certificate after download on Portal?

No. Manual Life Certificate can be uploaded anytime on SPARSH

Can a last year downloaded form be used this year for Manual identification?

No. Manual Life Certificate once submitted for identification cannot be reused.

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Whether I would be able to receive all my pensionary arrears on delayed identification?

Yes. Upon delayed identification, all applicable pensionary arrears shall be paid.

How do I report death of a family member in SPARSH?

Go To: Services > Report Event > Death, and provide required details along with copy of Death Certificate

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How do I report about a missing family member in SPARSH?

Go To: Services > Report Event > Missing, and provide required details along with copy of FIR

How do I report about a convicted family member in SPARSH?

Go To: Services > Report Event > Conviction, and provide required details along with copy of Judgement

What is Initiate Family Pension?

• You can request for your share of pension via Initiate Family Pension

• Go To: Services > Report Event > Initiate Family Pension, and provide required details alongwith necessary documents as applicable

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How do I update my basic details (Mobile Number, Bank Account Number, PAN etc.) in SPARSH?

• After the identification process is complete and approved, you can manage & update your profile details like personal details, service details, family details etc. by logging in to your SPARSH account.

• Log in to your SPARSH account, and go to: My Profile > Manage Profile

How do I add/remove family details (Spouse/Dependents) in SPARSH?

• After the identification process is complete and approved, you can manage & update your profile details like personal details, service details, family details etc. by logging in to your SPARSH account.

• Log in to your SPARSH account, and go to: My Profile > Manage Profile

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My annual identification is due. How can I identify myself in SPARSH?

• You can identify yourself using Aadhar, or provide life certificates issued by designated authorities to have the entitled pension credited to your bank account.

• For identification using Aadhar (Digital Life Certificate): Go To: Services > Identification > Digital Life Certificate

• For identification using Manual Life Certificate: Go To: Services > Identification > Manual Life Certificate

How can I declare my investments or proof of savings for tax purposes in SPARSH?

• You can declare & manage your investments in SPARSH by logging into your SPARSH account.

• Log in to your SPARSH account, and go to: Service Requests > Investment Declarations

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How can I apply for commutation in SPARSH?

• You can apply for commutation by logging into your SPARSH account.

• Log in to your SPARSH account, and go to: Service Requests > Commutation Requests

I have registered a Service Request in SPARSH. How can I track it?

• You can raise a payment related grievance for the same by logging into your SPARSH account.

• Log in to your SPARSH account, and go to: Grievances > Payment Related > Deduction

How can I report or update re-employment details including discharge from re-employement?

• After the identification process is complete and approved, you can report your employment/re-employment details by logging in to your SPARSH account.

• Log in to your SPARSH account, and go to: My Profile > Employment/Re-Employment

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How can I report my marriage/re-marriage?

• After the identification process is complete and approved, you can report your marriage/remarriage details by logging in to your SPARSH account.

• Log in to your SPARSH account, and go to: My Profile > Report Remarriage

How can I request to stop my Fixed Medical Allowance for availing ECHS facility?

• For Indian resident pensioners: If you don't wish to continue availing Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA), you need to update the FMA option in your personal profile by logging in to your SPARSH account.

• Go to: My Profile > Manage Profile > Personal Details > Fixed Medical Allowance

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How to draw Fixed Medical Allowance if I am not availaing any ECHS facility?

• For Indian resident pensioners: If you wish to opt for Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA), you need to update the FMA option in your personal profile by logging in to your SPARSH account.

• Note: Your address should be part of the districts eligible for FMA. Please verify your address before applying for FMA.

• Go to: My Profile > Manage Profile > Personal Details > Fixed Medical Allowance

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How can I claim death gratuity of my late husband?

• The demise of the deceased member needs to be reported first

• Go To: Services > Report Event > Death, and provide required details along with copy of Death Certificate

• Once approved by the compenent authority, apply claim for Family Pension & Death Gratuity.

• Go To: Services > Report Event > Initiate Family Pension, and provide required details alongwith necessary documents as applicable

What are straight through profile requests? How can I identify them?

Available to registered users on SPARSH, Straight Through Profile Requests don't need authorization from the competent concerned authorities.

You can refer the legends displayed on your profile page to identify such requests (My Profile > Manage Profile)

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Example:

1. Change in personal details like Residential Address, Mobile Number, Email ID, Aadhaar Number, PAN etc.

2. Change in Bank Details (For Indian Nationals)

What are approval based profile requests? How can I identify them?

Available to registered users on SPARSH, Straight Through Profile Requests don't need authorization from the competent concerned authorities.

You can refer the legends displayed on your profile page to identify such requests (My Profile > Manage Profile)

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Example:

1. Change in personal details like Name, Date of Birth etc.

2. Change in Service Details like Non Qualifying Service, Gallantry Awards etc.

3. Addition/Removal of Spouse/Dependent Details

Grievance

I am receiving lesser payment than the sanctioned amounts in my PPO. How do I report such incorrect payments in SPARSH?

• You can raise a payment related grievance for the same by logging into your SPARSH account.

• Log in to your SPARSH account, and go to: Grievances > Payment Related > Elements of Pension

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My PPO doesn't have some elements I'm entitled for, and I am not being paid the same. How do I report such incorrect payments in SPARSH?

• You can raise a payment related grievance for the same by logging into your SPARSH account.

• Log in to your SPARSH account, and go to: Grievances > Payment Related >

 Elements Not Sanctioned in Pension

My tax has been deducted wrongly. How do I report such incorrect deductions in SPARSH?

• You can raise a payment related grievance for the same by logging into your SPARSH account.

• Log in to your SPARSH account, and go to: Grievances > Payment Related > Deduction

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My amount for recovery is being displayed incorrectly in my PPO. How do I report such incorrect deductions in SPARSH?

• You can raise a payment related grievance for the same by logging into your SPARSH account.

• Log in to your SPARSH account, and go to: Grievances > Payment Related > Deduction

I have registered a Grievance in SPARSH. How can I track it?

• You can raise & track grievances in SPARSH.

• For unregistered users (without login credentials), For registered users (with valid login credentials),

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How can I claim Constant Attendant Allowance?

• You can raise a payment related grievance for the same by logging into your SPARSH account.

• Log in to your SPARSH account, and go to: Grievances > Payment Related > Elements Not Sanctioned in Pension

How to intimate about overpayments to the disbursing agency?

• You can raise a payment related grievance for the same by logging into your SPARSH account.

• Log in to your SPARSH account, and go to: Grievances > Payment Related > Elements of Pension

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What should I do if I am not getting dearness relief?

• You can raise a payment related grievance for the same by logging into your SPARSH account.

• Log in to your SPARSH account, and go to: Grievances > Payment Related > Elements of Pension

Can I raise a grievance against a service request?

Yes. You can raise a grievance against a completed Service Request by providing details of the service request for reference (Request ID, Request Date etc.)

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Whom and how to approach if I am not getting correct pension?

You can raise a payment related grievance for the same using any of the following modes:

1. same using any of the following modes:

1. Log into your SPARSH account

2. Call the SPARSH Helpline

3. Visit the nearest Service Center

Source : SPARSH portal

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