How Did 31.69 Lakh Defence Pensioners Join the SPARSH Digital Platform?
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Synopsis
On December 15, the Defence Ministry announced the onboarding of 31.69 lakh pensioners to the SPARSH digital platform. This initiative marks a significant step towards a unified pension system in India, enhancing transparency and efficiency in pension administration for defence personnel.
Key Takeaways
- 31.69 lakh pensioners onboarded onto SPARSH.
- SPARSH offers the largest unified pension system in India.
- Real-time disbursement of Rs 1,57,681 crore in FY 2024–25.
- Average grievance resolution time reduced to 17 days.
- Highest generation of 20.94 lakh DLCs among all Departments.
New Delhi, Dec 15 (NationPress) The Defence Ministry has successfully registered 31.69 lakh pensioners throughout India and Nepal on the digital platform System for Pension Administration - Raksha (SPARSH), as confirmed by an official on Monday.
Managed by the Defence Accounts Department (DAD) under the Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Pensions) in Prayagraj, SPARSH has integrated these 31.69 lakh defence pensioners, replacing a previously disorganized system that was overseen by over 45,000 agencies.
The SPARSH platform is notable for being the largest consolidated pension system in India and the only fully integrated digital solution for defence personnel. It reflects the Government's dedication to ensuring dignity, support, and timely assistance for veterans and their families, as stated in the announcement.
For the fiscal year 2024–25, a Defence Pension Budget of Rs 1,57,681 crore was distributed in real-time through SPARSH. The One Rank One Pension (OROP)-III scheme, which began in July 2024, facilitated the rapid disbursal of Rs 1,224.76 crore to 20.17 lakh beneficiaries in just 15 days.
During the nationwide Digital Life Certificate (DLC) 4.0 initiative by DoP&PW (November 1-30, 2025), DAD mobilized 202 offices, 4.63 lakh Common Service Centres, and 15 partner banks, all supported by 27 Nodal Officers. By November 30, 20.94 lakh DLCs had been generated for Defence Pensioners, marking the highest achievement among all Departments, according to the statement.
The advantages of this onboarding include addressing discrepancies. “From the 6.43 lakh discrepant cases migrated from prior systems, 6.07 lakh have been normalized without compromising pensioners’ entitlements,” the statement added.
The Defence Ministry reported that 284 SPARSH Outreach Programs and 194 Raksha Pension Samadhan Ayojans have taken place across the nation, with more than 8,000 grievances resolved immediately during these events held in this Financial Year (FY).
This onboarding has also enabled pensioners to access their information online and easily submit corrections.
The average time for grievance resolution has decreased from 56 days in April 2025 to 17 days in November 2025. According to the latest report from the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, DAD has attained a 73 percent satisfaction score, placing it 5th among Ministries/Departments,” the statement concluded.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the significance of the Defence Ministry's achievement in integrating 31.69 lakh pensioners into the SPARSH platform. This initiative not only simplifies the pension process but also enhances accountability and transparency, reflecting a strong commitment to our veterans and their families. The nation must continue to support such progressive reforms that prioritize the welfare of those who have served.
NationPress
16/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SPARSH?
SPARSH stands for System for Pension Administration - Raksha, a digital platform designed to streamline pension administration for defence personnel in India.
How many pensioners have joined SPARSH?
As of December 15, 31.69 lakh pensioners across India and Nepal have been onboarded to the SPARSH platform.
What are the benefits of SPARSH?
SPARSH offers a unified, transparent, and accountable pension system, allowing pensioners to manage their details online and resolve grievances efficiently.
What is the significance of the Digital Life Certificate campaign?
The Digital Life Certificate campaign helps ensure that defence pensioners can easily verify their status and access their benefits, with significant participation from various service centers.
How has grievance resolution improved?
The average grievance resolution time has decreased significantly from 56 days in April 2025 to just 17 days in November 2025, demonstrating improved efficiency in the system.
