Issues of migration to SPARSH, OROP being resolved, Army chief assures veterans, families

“We accomplished several significant works in 2024. Over 28,000 veterans were prepared for second careers through skill development programmes. 5,500 serving and ex-servicemen and their family members have been trained for modern jobs under the Prime Minister’s Skill Development Program (PMKVY). 450 officers, 16,000 Junior Commissioned Officers and Other Ranks, and 306 veterans and their families have been provided employment through the Army Welfare Placement Organisation. 12 new MoUs and 10 new MoUs with public sector undertakings have been signed to ensure employment opportunities for our veterans’ community.” the Army Chief said.

“Efforts are being made to resolve problems arising due to SPARSH migration, including establishing veteran Helpdesks, digital call centres, and Sparsh centres, aimed at resolving pension-related issues. The Defence Secretary has issued orders. Until the time issues related to SPARSH are not resolved, no staff will be transferred from the PCDA pensions. The concerned staff of the TCS, which is a service provider in this case, have been sent from Ahmedabad to Allahabad and will stay put. The Adjutant General has also deployed staff to resolve any issues that arise,” General Dwivedi said.

SPARSH is an initiative of the Ministry of Defence which aims to provide comprehensive solutions to defence pensioners. It is a fundamental change in managing defence pensions as it focuses on bringing in efficiency, responsiveness and transparency. However many issues related to migrations from older pensions systems to SPARSH have been reported in the recent past.

“Under Project NAMAN, 14 centres have been established, which will function as common service centres supported by HDFC and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to assist our veterans. We have received very encouraging feedback and by this year’s end, 200 NAMAN centres will be established,” the Army chief said. A project designed to provide dedicated support and services to defence pensioners, veterans and their families, NAMAN is centred around the implementation of the SPARSH.

The Army chief further said, “Veerangana Sewa Kendra (VSK) has now been upgraded to VSK+ Veterans and Veerangana Sewa Kendra. It provides single-window services to veterans, veer naris, and their dependents. VSK+ handles approximately 700–800 cases daily, resolving 70 per cent of complaints in minimal time. Under the OROP 2024, the pension issues and related anomalies are being addressed, and necessary steps are being taken for resolution. A special drive for the Liberalized Family Pension has been conducted under which 2,250 cases have been reviewed, and 450 cases have been resolved, disbursing Rs 19 crore so far. Work on pending cases is also underway.”