The Indian Army has taken a significant step forward in its commitment to supporting veterans and their families by launching the first phase of Project NAMAN. This initiative was unveiled in the presence of General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, and Mrs. Sunita Dwivedi, President of the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA).
Project NAMAN is a groundbreaking initiative designed to provide dedicated support and services to Defence Pensioners, Veterans, and their families. At the heart of this project is the SPARSH (System for Pension Administration Raksha) digital pension system, which aims to simplify and streamline the pension process for Defence Pensioners. This initiative addresses a critical need by establishing accessible facilitation points for Veterans and their Next of Kin (NOK) across the country.
During the launch, General Upendra Dwivedi highlighted the significance of Project NAMAN, stressing its vital role in ensuring that veterans and their families receive the care and support they rightfully deserve. He emphasized that the project's services would extend beyond military stations to benefit the entire local community, ensuring that the impact of this initiative is widespread.
Central to Project NAMAN is the establishment of reception and facilitation centres, made possible through a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Indian Army’s Directorate of Indian Army Veterans, Common Service Centre (CSC) e-Governance India Limited, and HDFC Bank Limited. These Common Service Centres (CSCs) are dedicated hubs for Army Veterans, Pensioners, War Widows, and NOKs, providing SPARSH-enabled pension services, Government to Citizen (G2C) services, and Business to Consumer (B2C) services all conveniently available under one roof.
In its first phase, Project NAMAN has successfully set up 14 CSCs in key locations across India, including New Delhi, Jalandhar, Leh, Dehradun, Lucknow, Jodhpur, Bengdubi, Gorakhpur, Jhansi, Secunderabad, Saugor, Guntur, Ahmedabad, and Bangalore. The project is poised for substantial expansion, with plans to establish approximately 200 centres nationwide over the next 2-3 years. HDFC Bank, the project’s banking partner, has played a crucial role by providing the necessary IT infrastructure to operationalize these CSCs, while local military stations have contributed the essential physical infrastructure and facilities.
Project NAMAN was thoughtfully conceived, taking into account the feedback and needs of the Defence community. This initiative reflects the Indian Army's unwavering commitment to nurturing camaraderie among serving and retired Armed Forces personnel. By delivering vital care and support to esteemed veterans, the project also extends its services to the entire resident population of military stations and nearby localities.
Each CSC is managed by a Village Level Entrepreneur (VLE), who is selected from among the veterans or NOKs by the respective Local Military Authorities (LMAs). These VLEs are onboarded by CSC e-Governance India Limited and receive comprehensive training to deliver the required services. HDFC Bank also provides a monthly grant of ₹20,000 to the VLEs for the first 12 months, aiding in the stabilization and sustainability of these centres.
Project NAMAN is more than just a support system; it is a testament to the Indian Army’s dedication to the welfare of its veterans and their families. By offering SPARSH-centric facilitation, essential e-Governance services, and banking solutions in one location, the project not only ensures that veterans and their families are well cared for but also empowers them to take on entrepreneurial roles, thereby contributing meaningfully to their communities.

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