In a significant move for pensioners in Bihar, the government has made it mandatory for over one crore pension beneficiaries to submit their life certificates by November 2025. Failure to do so within the stipulated time frame could result in the suspension of their pension payments. The central government has announced the launch of the fourth nationwide Digital Life Certificate campaign, which will run from November 1 to November 30, 2025. The campaign encourages pension holders to submit their life certificates digitally, making the process easier and more convenient.

The Life Certificate Requirement for Pension Holders:

Under the pension system’s regulations, it is mandatory for all pensioners to submit a life certificate once a year to ensure the continued disbursement of their pension payments. Traditionally, this certificate needs to be submitted to the respective pension office in person, providing proof of the pensioner’s continued existence. However, the new initiative will allow pensioners to submit their life certificates digitally, simplifying the process for them.

In Bihar, the number of pension holders is substantial, with the state accounting for over 1.13 crore beneficiaries of social security pensions. In addition to these, retired government employees and the wives of deceased government workers who receive family pensions are also included in this process. The state government itself has nearly 3.5 lakh pensioners, making this initiative crucial for the effective distribution of pensions.

Digital Life Certificate Campaign:

The central government’s Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare has announced that the fourth nationwide Digital Life Certificate campaign will run from November 1 to November 30, 2025. During this period, pensioners will be encouraged to submit their life certificates through digital platforms. This effort is part of the government’s broader initiative to make administrative processes more efficient and accessible to pensioners across the country.

For the convenience of pensioners, the Indian Postal Department has introduced home delivery services. Through India Post Payments Bank, postmen will visit pensioners’ homes to assist them in creating and submitting their life certificates. Pensioners can apply for this service through the PostInfo app or website. This service is particularly beneficial for elderly pensioners who may face challenges in visiting government offices or accessing digital platforms.

How Pensioners Can Submit Life Certificates:

For those who wish to create and submit their life certificates digitally, the process is straightforward. Pensioners will need to download the ‘Life Certificate App’ from the official platform. After downloading the app, they will need to enter essential details such as their Aadhaar number, Pension Payment Order (PPO) number, and bank account information.

To verify their identity, pensioners will be required to authenticate through an OTP (One-Time Password) sent to their Aadhaar-linked mobile number. The life certificate can then be submitted either online or offline, depending on the pensioner’s preference and convenience. The government has emphasized the importance of completing the process on time to avoid any interruptions in pension payments.

Benefits of the Digital Life Certificate System:

The introduction of a digital life certificate system aims to make the process more efficient and convenient for pensioners. This system eliminates the need for pensioners to physically visit pension offices, making it easier for elderly pensioners and those in remote areas to comply with the requirement. By using digital platforms, the government can also streamline the verification process, reducing errors and ensuring faster processing of life certificates.

Additionally, the home service provided by the postal department ensures that pensioners who are unable to access digital platforms can still easily complete the process. This service has been especially helpful for senior citizens and those with mobility issues, as it brings the required services directly to their doorstep.

Government’s Appeal to Pensioners:

The government has made a clear appeal to all pension holders to complete the life certificate submission process within the given timeline. Timely submission is crucial to avoid any disruptions in the monthly pension payments. Delays in submitting the life certificate could lead to a halt in pension payments, which would negatively impact the beneficiaries, many of whom rely on their pensions for daily living expenses.

By encouraging pensioners to submit their certificates digitally, the government aims to simplify the entire process, making it more accessible and less time-consuming for everyone involved. The initiative also helps maintain transparency and accountability within the pension system, ensuring that only eligible pensioners receive their rightful payments.

The mandatory submission of life certificates by November 2025 is a crucial step in ensuring the smooth continuation of pension payments for beneficiaries in Bihar and across India. The introduction of the Digital Life Certificate campaign is a significant move towards modernizing pension systems and making them more efficient. With the help of digital platforms and home services, the process has become more accessible to pensioners, particularly those who face challenges in accessing traditional methods.

As the deadline approaches, pensioners are urged to complete the required formalities well in advance to avoid any issues with their pension payments. The government’s efforts to simplify the process and make it more inclusive are commendable, as they aim to ensure that no pensioner is left behind. Through this initiative, the government is not only improving the ease of access for pensioners but also strengthening the integrity and efficiency of the pension system.