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UPSC » Daily News Analysis ‘SAMPANN: Digital Transformation of Telecom Pensions’ : 6 January

Daily News Analysis ‘SAMPANN: Digital Transformation of Telecom Pensions’ : 6 January

Table of Content
Why in News? 
  • The Ministry of Communications recently highlighted that the SAMPANN system has successfully migrated over 4.3 lakh pensioners, with several key pension documents now integrated with DigiLocker for paperless access.

SAMPANN: Main Features

  • Full Form: SAMPANN stands for System for Accounting and Management of Pension.
  • Nodal Agency: It is an initiative of the Controller General of Communication Accounts (CGCA), Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications.
  • Objective: Launched in 2018, it is a Comprehensive Pension Management System (CPMS) designed as a seamless, online platform for processing, sanctioning, and disbursing pensions directly into bank accounts.
  • Key Features:
    • Single Window Setup: Brings processing, authorization, and payment units onto one common digital platform.
    • Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Eliminates intermediaries (banks/post offices as agents), ensuring timely and direct credit of dues.
    • DigiLocker Integration: Pensioners can now access digitally signed ePPOs, Gratuity Payment Orders, and Form-16 via DigiLocker.
    • Cost Savings: Has saved the government over ₹11.5 crore annually by eliminating commissions previously paid to banks and post offices for pension disbursement.
  • Transparency & Redressal: Offers a dedicated mobile app for real-time tracking of pension status, payment history, and an online grievance management system.