10L Pensioners Hit: NRIs Seek Email Option

The Bharat Pensioners Samaj (BPS) has urged the government to allow overseas/NRI central government pensioners and family pensioners to submit duly authenticated life certificates through their registered email IDs. This move comes as many pensioners living abroad face difficulties in submitting digital life certificates using Aadhaar due to issues like biometric or facial-authentication failures.

BPS has referred to their previous request from July 1, 2026, asking for an amendment to the rules to introduce email submission as an additional optional facility. The Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DoP&PW), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, received BPS's representation on July 1, 2026, and a reminder was sent on August 11, 2026.

Overseas pensioners face several challenges in submitting life certificates, including biometric and facial-authentication failures, lack of access to an Aadhaar-linked Indian mobile number, limited digital proficiency, and long distances to reach the nearest Indian Embassy, High Commission or consulate. The existing rules require central government pensioners and family pensioners to submit an annual life certificate to keep their pensions flowing.

BPS represents nearly 10 lakh pensioners through its affiliated associations in India and abroad. The organization has highlighted the practical difficulties experienced by elderly pensioners residing abroad, who have to rely on offline alternatives such as travelling long distances to an Indian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate, depending on family members or authorised representatives, or sending the authenticated certificate to India through international post or courier.

## Why it matters The issue affects not only the pensioners but also their families, who may be dependent on the pension for their livelihood. The current system can lead to delays and difficulties in receiving pensions, causing financial hardship for those affected. Allowing email submission of life certificates could provide a convenient and efficient solution for overseas pensioners, ensuring they receive their pensions without interruption.

The government's response to BPS's request is awaited, and it remains to be seen whether the rules will be amended to introduce email submission as an additional optional facility. If implemented, this change could bring relief to thousands of overseas pensioners who struggle with the current system.