Life Certificate: Submitting life certificates is set to become much simpler for millions of pensioners nationwide. Starting November 1st, the government will initiate its largest campaign yet for digital life certificates (DLCs). This campaign primarily emphasizes face authentication technology, enabling pensioners, particularly the elderly, to easily create their certificates. The government aims to produce 23 million digital life certificates each month, with 15 million generated through face authentication.
The campaign will take place from November 1 to 30
As per reports, the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare will oversee this initiative. This marks the department’s fifth nationwide campaign, scheduled to run from November 1 to 30, 2026. During this period, digital life certificates will be issued to pensioners in 2,000 cities and districts across the country.
The target figures highlight the technology that the government is banking on. Out of the total goal of 23 million certificates, 15 million are expected to be produced using face authentication. This indicates that over 65% of the overall target will depend solely on this technology. The campaign aims to enhance the adoption of digital services among pensioners, making the submission of life certificates straightforward and accessible throughout the nation.
Strong emphasis on face authentication
“The primary focus is on advancing face authentication technology,” stated the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions in an official announcement.
Face authentication enables pensioners to generate their digital life certificates using Android and iOS smartphones. This means they can create their certificates simply by showing their face on the smartphone they use for everyday video calls or photos. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and UIDAI will offer technical assistance during the campaign.
The entire government machinery will be mobilized
According to the ministry, this campaign will be a government-wide collaboration. Pension disbursing banks, India Post Payments Bank, Pensioners Welfare Association, CGDA, DoT, Railways, EPFO, state governments, UIDAI, and MeitY will work together. The aim is to reach pensioners across the country, even those living in remote areas. The scope of the campaign is evident from its data. It will involve 19 banks, 785 district post offices, and 56 welfare associations. Other government departments and agencies will also be involved.
Health checkup and Aadhaar update facility also
The government will organize “festival” camps under this campaign. In addition to life certificates, pensioners will also receive additional services like health checkups and Aadhaar updates. This means that many pensioner tasks can be handled in one place. Where needed, services will be delivered to pensioners’ doorsteps. This is a relief for elderly pensioners who find it difficult to reach camps. Grievance officers will be deployed to handle complaints related to digital life certificates and ensure prompt resolution. Stakeholders will also organize mega camps in areas with a large number of pensioners.