In yet another major stride toward citizen-centric digital transformation, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Minister of State for PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, formally launched the Nationwide Digital Life Certificate (DLC) Campaign 4.0.

The campaign, launched on November 1, 2025, marks a significant milestone in the government’s mission to simplify life certification for pensioners across India, particularly benefiting the elderly and those with limited mobility.

A Month-Long Drive Empowering Millions of Pensioners

The month-long DLC Campaign 4.0, running from November 1 to November 30, is already witnessing remarkable success. Within the first four days alone, over 52 lakh Digital Life Certificates were generated using the innovative Face Authentication technology, against a month-long target of two crore certificates.

The campaign continues the momentum built by DLC Campaign 3.0, which achieved record-breaking participation in 2024. Last year’s campaign saw 1.62 crore Digital Life Certificates generated across 1,984 locations in 845 districts and cities. Of these, 49.78 lakh were from Central Government pensioners, 72.64 lakh from EPFO pensioners, and 52.73 lakh were submitted using Face Authentication technology.
Notably, 85,200 pensioners were above 90 years old, and more than 2,200 were over 100 years of age—reflecting the initiative’s vast and inclusive reach.

Nationwide Coverage: 2,500 Camps, 1,250 Officers, and 2,000 Locations

DLC Campaign 4.0 adopts a saturation approach—ensuring that every pensioner, regardless of location or mobility, can easily submit their life certificate.

The campaign covers nearly 2,000 districts, cities, and towns through 2,500 camps, coordinated by 1,250 nodal officers. The extensive operation is being carried out in close collaboration with 19 Pension Disbursing Banks, the India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), Pensioners’ Welfare Associations, UIDAI, MeitY, EPFO, Railways, CGDA, and the Department of Telecommunications.

Doorstep Services Through India Post Payments Bank

The India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) has emerged as a key player in this digital empowerment initiative. Leveraging its nationwide presence, IPPB is organizing DLC camps in over 1,600 districts and sub-divisions, supported by its vast network of 1.8 lakh postmen and Gramin Dak Sewaks (GDS).

Through these efforts, IPPB is ensuring that pensioners—even in the most remote villages—can avail of doorstep Digital Life Certificate services, irrespective of their pension-drawing bank.

Dedicated Portal and Structured Training for Seamless Operations

To facilitate the campaign’s smooth functioning, the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) has developed a dedicated DLC portal, mapped across 1,850 cities and towns, listing more than 2,500 camp locations and over 1,200 nodal officers.

Additionally, phased training sessions are being conducted nationwide to ensure that every nodal officer, bank representative, and IPPB staff member is well-equipped to assist pensioners throughout November.

Support from Pensioners’ Welfare Associations and Partner Agencies

A total of 57 Pensioners’ Welfare Associations (PWAs) registered with the DoPPW are playing an instrumental role in organizing on-ground camps, mobilizing pensioners, and spreading awareness about the benefits of the Digital Life Certificate system.

This year, special emphasis has been placed on the Face Authentication Technology, developed with full technical support from MeitY and UIDAI. The technology allows pensioners to generate their life certificates simply by verifying their face via a smartphone or device—eliminating the need for physical presence or biometric devices.

#DLCCampaign4: India’s Largest Digital Empowerment Drive

In terms of scale, outreach, and inclusivity, the DLC Campaign 4.0 stands as India’s largest digital empowerment initiative for pensioners. The government is driving awareness through coordinated publicity campaigns led by PIB, DD News, and All India Radio, as well as through social media, SMS campaigns, and short informational films under the hashtag #DLCCampaign4.

This multi-platform awareness effort ensures that the campaign reaches every corner of the nation—especially targeting senior citizens who may not be digitally active.

Union Minister of State @DrJitendraSingh launches Nationwide Digital Life Certificate (DLC) Campaign 4.0, marking a significant step in the government’s ongoing drive to simplify life certification for pensioners

Face Authentication Brings Ease and Dignity to Pensioners, says… pic.twitter.com/UP5EJDHgNt— PIB India (@PIB_India) November 5, 2025

A Reform Born Out of Empathy and Human Dignity

Speaking at the national launch event, Dr. Jitendra Singh reflected on the origins of this transformative initiative. He shared that the concept of the Digital Life Certificate stemmed from a deep sense of empathy for India’s elderly.

“It appeared inhuman to ask senior citizens to physically prove that they are alive to receive their pension,” the Minister remarked. “We turned this challenge into an opportunity—introducing biometric and face authentication technologies for a noble cause.”

The DLC initiative, he said, is not merely a technological upgrade but a moral commitment to dignity, convenience, and ease of living for pensioners.

Transforming Pension Delivery into a Global Success Story

Dr. Singh emphasized that the Digital Life Certificate programme has transformed pension delivery into one of India’s largest digital and social reforms.

“This unique experiment in governance is now being studied internationally,” he noted, adding that foreign delegations have expressed keen interest in learning from India’s model of tech-driven, citizen-first administration.

He further highlighted that the initiative aligns perfectly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of citizen-centric governance and digital empowerment.

“This not only brings ease of living to pensioners but also changes our social and economic behaviour—making society more technology-friendly,” Dr. Singh said.

Ever since I took voluntary retirement as a Professor of Medicine several years ago, the annual Life Certificate, mandatory for pensioners, was being obtained through conventional methods.

For the first time, I am proud to join the ranks of those over 52 lakh pensioners… pic.twitter.com/pI2idH4m6C— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) November 5, 2025

A Collaborative Effort of Multiple Stakeholders

Dr. Jitendra Singh credited the campaign’s unprecedented success to the collective efforts of multiple stakeholders—government departments, banks, IPPB, and Pensioners’ Welfare Associations—who have joined forces to ensure that no pensioner is left behind.

“By leveraging technology and institutional collaboration, we are ensuring that senior citizens experience dignity, inclusion, and convenience in their post-retirement years,” the Minister emphasized.

Key Officials and Departments Driving the Mission

The launch event also saw the presence of senior officials including:

• Sh. V. Srinivas, Secretary (Pension), Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW)

• Ms. Vandana Gupta, Controller General of Communication Accounts (CGCA)

• Sh. Vishvajit Sahay, Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA)

• Sh. Bhuvnesh Kumar, CEO, UIDAI

• Sh. Dhrubajyoti Sengupta, Joint Secretary, DoPPW

Dr. Singh commended Sh. V. Srinivas and his team for their tireless efforts in conceptualizing and executing the DLC campaign nationwide. Their commitment, he said, has transformed the Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare into a model of efficiency, transparency, and citizen service delivery.

Face Authentication: A Symbol of Inclusive Digital India

One of the standout features of DLC Campaign 4.0 is the Face Authentication system, which brings a new level of ease, safety, and dignity for the elderly. The technology allows pensioners to authenticate their life certificate simply by using their smartphone camera—without needing fingerprint scanners or visiting physical offices.

This initiative ensures that super-senior citizens (aged 90 and above) and those with limited mobility can submit their certificates effortlessly, even from the comfort of their homes.

Ensuring Continuity and Transparency in Pension Disbursement

With the success of DLC Campaign 4.0, the government has reinforced its commitment to transparent, uninterrupted, and digitally-enabled pension disbursement.
Dr. Jitendra Singh concluded the launch event by reiterating that the Digital Life Certificate initiative represents Prime Minister Modi’s vision of “Ease of Living” and citizen-centric governance.

“The DLC initiative is not just about technology—it’s about trust, transparency, and respect for our senior citizens,” he said. “It ensures that every pensioner, no matter where they live, can continue to receive their rightful pension with ease and dignity.”

A Milestone in India’s Digital Transformation Journey

From its empathetic beginnings to becoming a global benchmark in digital governance, the Digital Life Certificate initiative stands as a testament to India’s innovative spirit and administrative efficiency.

With over 52 lakh certificates already generated using Face Authentication technology, DLC Campaign 4.0 exemplifies how digital tools can bring real-world impact—empowering millions of elderly citizens and transforming governance into a truly people-first experience.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

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