Don't deny pension for want of Aadhaar: EPFO to banks

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has asked banks to not deny monthly pension to people for want of Aadhaar cards or biometric authentication. Instead, they can use other documents such as life certificates.

The April 9 circular from the EPFO said people should not be denied their pension if biometric identification — fingerprint or iris scans — fails. An entry mentioning the cause should be made in an exception register.

The circular also said people who do not have Aadhaar should be encouraged to get it, and till they do so, a life certificate could be accepted as an alternative.

“The register will contain the details of exceptions granted, along with the life certificate, the Aadhaar number or the Aadhaar enrolment number. This can be reviewed and audited periodically by senior management of the bank,” the circular said.

The EPFO said agreements it signed with banks for disbursement of pension laid down their duties, including collection of necessary certificates from pensioners in November every year.

Since 2016, life certificates were being obtained digitally as Jeevan Pramaan. Submission of Jeevan Pramaan was facilitated through the Umang application on mobiles.

“Some complaints have been received from pensioners who are being turned away …for want of Aadhaar or …authentication. Because of this, pensioners are not able to get and submit Jeevan Pramaan,” the circular said.

It added, “Banks should also make special arrangement for the bed-ridden, differently-abled, or senior citizens who are unable to visit the Aadhaar-enrolment centres.”

“After due verification through alternate identification documents as deemed necessary by the bank, pensions may be disbursed,” it said.