The Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) recently implemented a series of multi-faceted initiatives in Gujarat, demonstrating their commitment to enhancing the well-being of both retiring central government employees and existing pensioners. These efforts targeted three key areas: pre-retirement planning, improved communication and collaboration with banks handling pensions, and fostering stronger ties with pensioners’ associations.
Recognizing the potential challenges individuals face during the pre-retirement phase, DoPPW organized the 53rd Pre-Retirement Counseling Workshop in Ahmedabad on March 5, 2024. This workshop specifically targeted over 300 employees from 14 ministries nearing retirement, providing them with a comprehensive understanding of various retirement benefits and crucial post-retirement planning aspects. It served as a one-stop information session, equipping participants with knowledge on navigating online portals like BHAVISHYA and the Integrated Pensioners Portal. The workshop also covered essential topics like family pension and other retirement benefits, familiarization with the CGHS healthcare system and its benefits, and making informed investment decisions. This holistic approach empowered employees to make informed choices about their financial security and well-being post-retirement.
DoPPW acknowledges the crucial role that banks play in pension disbursement. To strengthen communication and collaboration, they conducted a Bankers’ Awareness Workshop specifically for Bank of Baroda officials on March 5-6, 2024, in Ahmedabad. This workshop targeted 57 officials specifically involved in handling pension-related work. The workshop fostered improved coordination between DoPPW and banks, focusing on addressing pensioner grievances more effectively. Discussions also centred on facilitating the ongoing Digital Life Certificate campaign, which aims to streamline the pension verification process, and exploring the implementation of face authentication technology for added security. This workshop served as part of a larger series aimed at empowering bank personnel handling central government pensions across the country, aiming to ensure a seamless and efficient pension disbursement process for retirees.
DoPPW officials actively engaged with representatives from five Gujarat-based pensioners’ associations during an interactive meeting held in Ahmedabad on March 5, 2024. This meeting provided a platform for open dialogue and exchange of ideas, fostering a collaborative approach to addressing the needs and concerns of pensioners. During the meeting, DoPPW Secretary, Shri V. Srinivas, reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to improving the overall well-being of pensioners. He emphasized their dedication to ensuring post-retirement dignity and security while highlighting the ongoing efforts to empower pensioners through accessible and user-friendly digital solutions. Representatives from banks, CGHS, and DoPPW actively participated in the discussions, further solidifying their commitment to collaborative efforts in serving the needs of central government pensioners.
