SPARSH Pension Services Now Available at Over 26,000 Bank Branches Nationwide

The Defence Accounts Department (DAD) has partnered with Bank of India, Canara Bank, Central Bank of India, and Utkarsh Small Finance Bank to enhance pension services for defence pensioners through the SPARSH system.

The Defence Accounts Department (DAD), operating under the Ministry of Defence, has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Bank of India, Canara Bank, Central Bank of India, and Utkarsh Small Finance Bank. This initiative aims to provide seamless pension services to defence pensioners through the SPARSH [System for Pension Administration (Raksha)] system.

Expansion of Service Centres:

With these new partnerships, the SPARSH Service Centres will now be accessible across 1,128 branches of the aforementioned banks nationwide. This expansion significantly enhances the last-mile connectivity for pensioners, enabling them to manage their pension-related matters more efficiently.

About SPARSH:

Implemented in 2021, the SPARSH system is a web-based platform designed for the automated processing and disbursement of defence pensions. It integrates various pension services, providing a single-window solution for pensioners. Through the Pensioner Portal, individuals can view their pension details, entitlements, profile information, and access Income Tax forms.

Benefits for Pensioners:

The SPARSH system processes pension claims and directly credits pensions into the bank accounts of defence pensioners, eliminating the need for external intermediaries. The newly established Service Centres will serve as interfaces for pensioners, offering services such as profile updates, grievance registration, digital annual identification, data verification, and detailed pension information. These services are provided free of cost, with nominal service charges covered by DAD.

Widespread Availability:

With these MoUs, SPARSH services will be available at over 26,000 branches of 15 banks across the country. Additionally, there are 199 dedicated service centres operated by DAD and more than 3.75 lakh Common Service Centers nationwide.

Enhanced Accessibility:

This initiative is part of the Ministry of Defence's ongoing efforts to improve accessibility and efficiency in delivering pension services to defence personnel. By leveraging the extensive network of partnering banks, the SPARSH system ensures that pensioners, regardless of their location, have easy access to the necessary services and support.

Conclusion:

The collaboration between DAD and these four banks marks a significant step towards enhancing the pension service infrastructure for defence pensioners. With the expanded network of SPARSH Service Centres, pensioners can now experience improved service delivery and support, ensuring their pension-related needs are met promptly and efficiently.