For every pensioner, this is the most crucial time of the year when they must submit proof of their physical existence, a Life Certificate. In today’s digital age, the Digital Life Certificate (DLC) or “Jeevan Pramaan” has made this task much easier; however, the system sometimes rejects it. The biggest fear of a certificate rejection is the possibility of pension suspension. However, rejection does not mean pension suspension, but rather a mismatch between the information provided and the pension record.
Major Reasons for Digital Life Certificate Rejection
Often, pensioners complete biometric or face authentication, but the status still shows “Rejected.” The most common and fundamental reason for this is human error in entering the PPO (Pension Payment Order) number. Many pensioners have both old and new (Corrigendum) PPO numbers; if you enter the old number, the system cannot match it with the database.
Additionally, incorrectly selecting the Pension Disbursing Agency (PDA), such as a bank, SPARSH, or treasury, can also result in application rejection. Even minor discrepancies between the name or date of birth on your Aadhaar card and those in your bank records can hinder this foolproof process.
Face Authentication Problems
Face authentication is increasingly popular these days, but lighting and camera quality play a crucial role. Poor lighting, shadows on your face, or excessive background noise can cause authentication to fail. Always sit facing the light and keep the background plain.
If your Aadhaar card photo is too old and your face has changed significantly, the system may not be able to match. Furthermore, if you have locked your Aadhaar biometrics for security reasons, it is crucial to unlock it before using the mAadhaar app.
What steps should pensioners take in case of a discrepancy
If your certificate has been rejected, don’t panic and submit the same information again and again. First, retrieve your correct and updated PPO number from your latest pension slip or the SPARSH portal. Check your bank passbook and Aadhaar to verify every letter.
If your name or other information is incorrect in your records, a foolproof solution is to first correct it with the relevant pension disbursing authority. Only after the records are corrected, reapply so that the system accepts them promptly.
Avoid These Mistakes
Pensioners often receive two different PPOs, such as one for their own service pension and one for their family pension. Submitting separate life certificates for both is a mandatory rule. People often try to use the same PPO number for both, resulting in their applications being rejected.
Also, don’t rush to check the status immediately after submitting the certificate; during peak hours, the system is overloaded, and it takes time for the bank to process the updates. Keep your Pramaan ID safe and check the status on the portal at least every 24-48 hours.
Cyber Fraud Protection
Fraud cases are high during the Life Certificate submission process. Remember, there’s no need to share your OTP, password, or bank PIN with any government official or bank employee to submit a digital life certificate.
If someone calls you and claims they will activate your certificate at home and asks you to download an app or provide personal information, this is a strong red flag. Disconnect such fraudulent calls and never share your confidential information with anyone.