Government launched ‘unique’ face recognition techology for pensioners

Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh launched a “unique” face recognition technology on November 29, 2021.

Key Facts

• The face recognition technology would act as a proof of life certificate’ for pensioners.
• It will ensure ease of living for retired & elderly citizens.
• All pensioners are required to submit their life certificate annually in order to receive pension.
• Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions has also implemented a facility to give certificate digitally.

Background

Central government has been sensitive towards the needs of pensioners as well as to ensure ease of living for them. In 2014, when government came to power, it decided to introduce and implement digital life certificate for the pensioners, in order to receive pension easily.

Significance of Unique face recognition technology

The Unique face recognition technique, launched recently to provide ‘life certificate’ is a historic and far-reaching reform because it will touch the lives of 68 lakh central government pensioners as well as those covered under the EPFO and state governments.

Who has developed this technology?

This face recognition technology has been devised by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology in collaboration with the UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India). The initiative to provide digital life certificates was launched by the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW).

Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)

UIDAI is a statutory authority, which was established under the provisions of Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016. It was established on July 12, 2016. It works under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). It was created to Unique Identification numbers (UID), called as Aadhaar, to all residents of India.

Month: Current Affairs - November, 2021