Government clears, Aadhaar not mandatory for getting pension

Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh has said that to get pension Aadhaar card is not mandatory for central government employees.

The minister in the 30th meeting of the Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies has said that Aadhaar is an additional facility to enable the use of technology for submission of life certificate without the need for visiting banks.

His assertion assumes significance as there were reports of some retired employees facing difficulty in getting the pension in the absence of Aadhaar linkage with their bank accounts.

explained that, as per the minutes of the meeting, Aadhaar has not been made mandatory for getting pension for government employees.

Issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), Aadhaar is a 12-digit number which helps in identification and address proof

There are about 48.41 lakh central government employees and 61.17 lakh pensioners.

Singh cited various initiatives started by the central government for the welfare of its employees and pensioners.

"For instance, minimum pension has been increased to Rs 9,000, ceiling of gratuity has been increased to Rs 20 lakh, fixed medical allowance has been increased to Rs 1,000 per month," the minister said.

"Constant attendance allowance has been increased from Rs 4,500 to Rs 6,750 with effect from July 1, 2017. Some benefits relating to income-tax e.g. standard deduction, tax-rebate etc.on interest made available in the Finance Bill, 2018," he said.