Government rolls out ‘unique’ face recognition tech for pensioners

Tribune News Service

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New Delhi, November 29

Union Minister Jitendra Singh today launched a “unique” face recognition technology (FRT) for pensioners. It would act as a proof of life certificate for them and ensure their ease of living.

All pensioners are mandated to submit life certificates annually to continue receiving pension. The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions has already implemented a facility of submitting certificates digitally.

Historic reform

The face recognition technique of giving life certificates is a historic and far-reaching reform since it would benefit not only 68 lakh central government pensioners but also those under the EPFO and state governments. —Jitendra Singh, Union Minister

“The central government has been sensitive to the needs of pensioners. Soon after coming to power in 2014, the government had decided to introduce digital life certificates for the pensioners. This unique face recognition technology will help them further,” Singh said while launching the “unique” tool.

The minister said the face recognition technique of giving life certificates was a historic and far-reaching reform since it would touch the lives of not only 68 lakh central government pensioners but also those under the EPFO and state governments.

Singh thanked the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology as well as the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) for having devised the technology and making such an initiative of the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) possible.