In a pivotal advancement for the welfare of ex-servicemen, the Indian Army has formalized a partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Axis Bank and CSC e-Governance to enhance Project NAMAN by expanding its reach to 25 additional locations nationwide. This initiative, driven by the Directorate of Indian Army Veterans, is designed to streamline pension-related and digital citizen services via SPARSH-enabled Common Service Centres (CSCs), making essential services readily available for veterans, their dependents, and widows.
The signing ceremony in New Delhi brought together representatives from the Indian Army, Axis Bank, and CSC e-Governance, underscoring a collaborative commitment to support the nation’s defense community. The event highlighted the synergy between military and civilian sectors in addressing the needs of veterans, featuring both uniformed personnel and civilian dignitaries.
Project NAMAN is an integral part of the Indian Army’s ongoing efforts to enhance post-retirement welfare for its personnel. It aligns with the Ministry of Defence’s SPARSH platform—System for Pension Administration (Raksha)—a digital system aimed at simplifying the processes of pension management and disbursement for armed forces members and defense civilians. With the new Phase II expansion, this initiative will significantly benefit veterans in remote and underserved regions, lessening their reliance on centralized pension offices.
The extended CSCs will offer a variety of services, including access to pension entitlements, income tax documentation, and grievance redressal mechanisms. Veterans will also have the ability to manage their profiles and retrieve real-time pension information through the SPARSH portal, fostering transparency and prompt support.
Axis Bank’s role in this project reflects its broader “Power Salute” initiative, which provides specialized financial services and advantages to defense personnel. The bank has previously engaged in similar agreements with various branches of the armed forces, offering comprehensive insurance products and educational grants for service members’ children. By participating in Project NAMAN, Axis Bank extends its support specifically to Indian Army veterans.
CSC e-Governance Services India Ltd, which boasts a robust network of digital service outlets throughout rural India, is crucial in facilitating the direct delivery of essential services. Through this strategic collaboration, veterans in remote areas will gain vital access to digital pension services, thus enhancing overall inclusivity and convenience for this community.
As of 2025, India is home to approximately 2.5 million veterans. The expansion of Project NAMAN marks a significant milestone in the nation’s commitment to care for its retired military personnel. This initiative demonstrates how public-private partnerships combined with digital innovation can effectively enhance service delivery while reinforcing the nation’s gratitude towards its soldiers.
The Indian Army has reiterated its pledge embodied in the motto “Taking Care of Our Own,” reaffirming its commitment to those who have served. This development not only simplifies access to pension services but also fortifies the overall ecosystem of veteran support across India.
