Troubles of elderly pensioners eased as Mann government launches Seva Portal
Chandigarh(The Uttam Hindu): Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema launched the Pensioner Seva Portal aimed at making pension-related services simpler, smoother, and more transparent for around 3.15 lakh pensioners in the state. The portal, available at [http://pensionerserviceportal.punjab.gov.in](http://pensionerserviceportal.punjab.gov.in), will automate pension disbursement processes and provide a range of online services to pensioners and family pensioners.
At a press conference at Punjab Bhawan, the Finance Minister said that the portal will initially offer six major services. These include submitting digital life certificates through the Jeevan Pramaan mobile app, applying for conversion of pension into family pension through the Successor Module, applying for Leave Travel Concession (LTC), lodging complaints through the Grievance Redressal Module, updating personal information through the Profile Update Module, and completing e-KYC verification.
Pensioners can download the Jeevan Pramaan mobile app on Android and Apple devices and use Aadhaar-based e-KYC to register on the portal. After registration, they can log in via mobile phone, computer, or laptop to access all services from home.
Cheema said that pensioners can also avail these services through the nearest Seva Kendras, bank branches, or district treasury offices. Home delivery of services is also available. He clarified that the portal currently applies only within India, so NRI pensioners are not required to complete e-KYC in the initial phase. The facility for overseas pensioners will be added soon; until then, they will continue submitting manual life certificates.
To address any initial difficulties faced by pensioners, a war room has been set up in the Directorate of Treasuries and Accounts, Pensions, and New Pension Schemes. Three helpline numbers—1800-180-2148, 0172-2996385, and 0172-2996386—will operate on all working days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Employees of district treasuries, banks, and Seva Kendras have been trained, and detailed guidelines have been issued. The minister said that pilot testing of the portal has already been completed successfully.
Cheema said that pensioners are an important part of the state’s administrative legacy and that the Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to addressing their needs. He described the Pensioner Seva Portal as a major step toward providing timely, accurate, and hassle-free services to retired employees. He expressed confidence that this initiative will greatly benefit lakhs of pensioners and make their lives easier and more dignified. (Advertorial)