SUBMISSION OF LIFE CERTIFICATE BY GOVERNMENT PENSIONERS

 

Central Government pensioners are required to submit their Annual Life Certificate (Jeevan Pramaan) in November for the continuation of their pension. However, the Central Government allows super senior pensioners in the age group of 80 years and above to submit Annual Life Certificate from 1st October onwards, instead of 1st November onwards, every year.

There are different modes for Jeevan Pramaan submission. Here’s a look at the different ways in which Central Government pensioners can submit their Annual Life Certificate:

1. PHYSICAL APPEARANCE:

Central Government pensioners can get their Life certificate recorded by Pension Disbursing Authorities (PDAs) by physically appearing before the PDA.

The format of Life certificate is given below:

2. SUBMISSION OF LIFE CERIFICATE SIGNED BY DESIGNATED OFFICIAL:

The pensioner can avoid personal appearance by submitting the annual life certificate form signed by any ‘designated official’. As per Jeevan Pramaan rules, a pensioner who produces a life certificate in the prescribed form, signed by persons specified, is exempted from personal appearance.

3. SUBMISSION THROUGH JEEVAN PRAMAAN PORTAL/DIGITAL LIFE CERTIFICATE:

Digital Life Certificate (Jeevan Pramaan) is a biometric enabled digital service for pensioners. Pensioners of central or state government, Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation or any other government organization whose pension disbursing agency is live for DLC can take benefit of this facility. They need not visit the office of disbursing agency for physical submission of life certificate and instead may use the Aadhaar enabled biometric authentication mechanism to generate DLC.

Central Government pensioners can submit the annual Life Certificate online through the Jeevan Pramaan portal https://jeevanpramaan.gov.in It is easy and convenient. The UIDAI has prescribed a list of biometric devices that can be used for capturing the biometrics of a person. Information about such devices is available on the UIDAI portal.

Tamil Nadu Governement has also enabled this service for the State government pensioners.

4. DOORSTEP SEERVICE THROUGH POSTMAN:

Central Government Pensioners can use the “Doorstep Service for submission of Digital Life Certificate through Postman”. This facility was launched by the Department of Posts along with Meity in November 2020. To make this facility available, the IPPB is using its national network of over 1,36,999 access points in Post Offices and more than 1,89,000 Postmen and grain Dao Sevaks. To use this facility, pensioners need to download the Posting App from Google Play Store.

For every successful generation of DLC, a nominal fee of Rs. 70 (inclusive of GST/ CESS) will be charged.

Pre-requisites for generating DIGITAL LIFE CERTIFICATE:

• Pensioner must have an Aadhaar number
• Pensioner must have an existing mobile number
• Registration of the Aadhaar number with pension disbursing agency (bank/ post office etc.) should be done already
• Pensioner should also keep the following details handy**:
• Type of pension
• Sanctioning authority
• Disbursing agency
• PPO number
• Account number (pension)

** In case the pensioner has got the DLC generated in the previous years, then these details are auto-populated.

5. DOORSTEP BANKING SERVICE :

Pensioners can also use the Doorstep Banking services offered by an alliance of 12 Public Sector Banks. The PSB Alliance has introduced the service for the collection of Life Certificates under the umbrella of Doorstep Banking.

6. FACE AUTHENTICATION TECHNOLOGY :

Lastly, Central Government pensioners can use the Face Authentication technology based on UIDAI Aadhaar software to submit Life Certificates. The software allows the capturing of live photographs of pensioners through any Android-based smartphone for the generation of the Digital Life Certificate on the Jeevan Pramaan app.

Source:https://www.financialexpress.com/money/jeevan-pramaan-life-certificate-submission-process-6-ways-for-central-government-pensioners/2696702/

7. Life Certificate through Video call

Some of the Banks like State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Canara Bank etc have recently introduced the facility of submission of Life Certificate through Video call for Pensioners who have accounts with the respective bank.

State Bank of India has given the following steps for submission of Life Certificate through Video call facility:

• You first have to visit the website www.pensionseva.sbi.
• From there, you need to select the Video LC to start the video life certificate submission process. After this, you need to enter your SBI pension account number and then submit the Captcha to verify. If you are eligible, you will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number linked with Aadhar.
• Click on the ‘Submit’ option when you enter the OTP. Following this, click on the ‘Start Journey’ option after agreeing to terms and conditions.
• By this time, you need to keep your PAN card ready, and then click on the ‘I Am Ready’ button. You will be able to interact with the SBI official as soon as he or she is available after you grant permission for starting the video call. You can also schedule the video call as per your convenience.
• You need to read out the 4-digit verification number displayed on the screen to the SBI agent during the video call, after which he or she will capture your photo with your PAN card. This will complete your video call life certificate submission process.

19 Important Tips For Property/Apartment Purchasing

Buying property is not something you do every month or every year hence being vigilant prior to making purchasing decision is very important. 

Whether you are considering an apartment for your own living or investing your money to make some passive rental income, a careful approach will lead to more satisfying experience and better value for money outcome. Thinking on the same lines, below Property Investment Guide has been prepared containing 19 aspects for your consideration.

1- Cost Analysis :

The foremost important question! Before making your mind for a specific property, check market price for similar properties from local agents (minimum 3) or respective market portal/website. Consider that fact that local agent and online property portals will quote the same price for the highly sophisticated/educated societies whereas for emerging countries or less-educated countries, asking price mentioned on website is usually 10-15% higher than the actual market price. Know the right numbers with thorough search.  

2- Built-Up Area Vs Carpet Area:

Remember, construction area and liveable areas are different. Construction Area or Built-up Area (BUA) is actual used area of an apartment. Built up Area is the carpet area plus the thickness of outer walls and the balcony. Some apartments/houses might have large balconies which may not prefer specially for hot climate countries.

3- Cost per Square Foot:

Cost per square foot can give you a quick idea about your investment Vs Size. Posh areas would have higher cost per square foot. Most of the mature websites/portals usually show this value automatically. Check the cost per square feet value for similar apartments for quick comparison.

4- Annual maintenance cost:

If you are purchasing the unit/house for investment, remember the fact that your take-home income is after the payment of maintenance cost.. Maintenance cost are usually calculated on per-square feet basis. In some buildings, maintenance cost is paid by tenant to the building management whereas for other countries, the owner is required to pay the maintenance charges (Monthly or Quarterly). Check who will be paying maintenance charges and how much.

5- Currently rented? If not, why not?

Many investors prefer to purchase the unit/house which is already rented because they know how much they are going to earn out of it and also they want to start their income as soon as apartment is purchased. If the unit you plan to purchase is not rented, try to find out the reason. Probably, the building is not in-demand in the vicinity or tenants have more new buildings available in the community or the building has maintenance issues etc. Speak to the tenants and find out!

6- If Rented What is ROI?

Your Return on Investment ROI = (Annual Rent – Annual Maintenance Charges)/Total Investment

For example: you purchased an apartment in $600000 having annual maintenance cost of $10,000. If the annual rent is $50,000 then the ROI = (50000-10000)/600000 = 6.7%.

Each property market has different ROIs.. On a general note try to invest where ROI is 7% or more.

7- Closed Kitchen Vs Open Kitchen:

Consider the most-likely nationality of the tenants of the area. European/American tenants usually prefer open kitchen setup whereas Asian wives mostly prefer closed kitchens to manage their large crockery. Since you want to be a good investor, always consider end-user perspective else not a lot of tenants would be interested taking your unit on rent.

8- Balcony Availability:

Most of the tenants would prefer the apartments with balcony for evening chit-chat, for drying their clothes or for simply placing kids cycle or other stuff. Depending upon the type of community (congested community vs wide area community or nice-view community) the size of the balcony also matters.

9- Free hold vs 99 year lease:

If you are expat or investing in another country, always check the land/apartment ownership rules. In some countries the ownership is granted for 99 years from the date of construction. Although you are not going to live this much, but at the time of selling the unit, the new buyer might prefer buying free-hold property. None the less, 99-year lease will also be sold out sooner or later because human psychology is different for everyone!

10-  Builder Repute:

Always prefer to buy an apartment which was built by reliable builder.. Check the reputation of the builder prior to making buying decision. Don’t just go for the outlook of the construction. All that glitters is not gold. It’s quite easy to make a poor-quality building look awesome. Beware of dodgy builders. Don’t get deceived.

11- Community Services at walking distance?

Community services are very important aspect of any living. You don’t want to purchase a fantastic apartment with all the great feature but do not have schools, markets, parks, pray areas, banks and hospitals nearby. Such a waste of investment !

12- Security, Gym, Pool availability:

In-building features are equally important.. Many tenants prefer to stay in buildings having gyms and sauna. If the family has kids, they will love having kids play area and pool. Also check the security features of building such as physical appearance of guard, wireless remote based car parking entry and CCTV in lobby, common area and parking.

13- Car Parking included?

Check how many car parking are being provided. Are parking slot shaded/covered? You would not like to park your car outside the building which is prone to dust, sun and even stealing.

14- Built-in Wardrobes?

Some architects consider providing built-in wardrobes. This is to facilitate the tenants to move to the apartment without much hassle of being new cupboards. This is definitely an add-on you should consider. 

15- Number of Washrooms?  Extra Store Room? Maid Room?

Extra rooms are definitely a plus however with large apartment space, the investment will also be higher. If you are buying for your own, do your need vs wants analysis and make decision based on your buying capacity.

16- Take Your lady:

Sorry, I am writing this recommendation at number 16, whereas it should be one of the top considerations. Highly recommended to take your wife, daughter, mother, sister to see the apartment because females have that strong critical aesthetic sense which males simply don’t possess. They will surprise you by looking into the nitty gritty of interior designing aspect.

17- Agent Reliability and Legitimacy:

Remember, agents work to get commission. Be strict, logical and analytical when dealing with agents. Agents are simply sales person trying to sell a product which means you may become their victim if not being careful. Verify agents credibility by checking his (and his company’s) repute, asking for his legal identity, visiting their office and checking his LinkedIn profile. Never pay anything (cash or cheque) without proper legal documentation. 

18- Cash vs Mortgage:

Personally I do not recommend mortgage approach. Firstly, you do not have clear understanding about your rate of return on investment since you have to pay monthly charges for many years of your life. Secondly, having a liability of returning massive amount of loan causes psychological pressure. I know many people who have lost their peace, got sick and deteriorated relationships due to loan stress. Think twice before you take any decision involving financial liabilities. 

19- On-Plan vs Off Plan:

Generally speaking off-plan investment generates more profit however it requires careful ROI calculations and good understanding of future-cost-analysis of the property. 

While doing the analysis you need to consider:

• Currency depreciation factor (especially if you are a foreigner and investing in emerging countries where currency value depreciates drastically), 
• Revenue which you could have earned if not invested in off-plan.
• Assurance from the builder on whether the forecasted completion date will be ensured. If not what compensation will be given to you? What are your rights as an investor and how the legal entity of land department is protecting you.
• Check the financial status of the building company. Seek guidance from local agents or real estate companies.
• Consider taking legal counselling before you sign the deal for off-plan  
• What are the exact deliverables of the off-plan property (furniture details, tiles finishing, paint type etc. Check all of the features which are mentioned in this article above. All deliverables should be written in the contract. 

Source: https://groups.google.com/g/Pindi-Islamabad/c/eaXUOkuyBcw?pli=1

Low Back pain, Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

 

Key facts

• In 2020, low back pain (LBP) affected 619 million people globally and it is estimated that the number of cases will increase to 843 million cases by 2050, driven largely by population expansion and ageing .
• LBP is the single leading cause of disability worldwide and the condition for which the greatest number of people may benefit from rehabilitation.
• LBP can be experienced at any age, and most people experience LBP at least once in their life.
• Prevalence increases with age up to 80 years, while the highest number of LBP cases occurs at the age of 50–55 years. LBP is more prevalent in women .
• Non-specific LBP is the most common presentation of LBP (about 90% of cases).

Source: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/low-back-pain

What Is Low Back Pain?

Low back pain is a universal human experience -- almost everyone has it at some point. The lower back, which starts below the ribcage, is called the lumbar region. Pain here can be intense and is one of the top causes of missed work. Fortunately, low back pain often gets better on its own. When it doesn't, there are effective treatments.

Symptoms of Low Back Pain

Symptoms range from a dull ache to a stabbing or shooting sensation. The pain may make it hard to move or stand up straight. Acute back pain comes on suddenly, often after an injury from sports or heavy lifting. Pain that lasts more than three months is considered chronic. If your pain is not better within 72 hours, you should consult a doctor.

Symptoms That Require Urgent Care

Severe back pain after a fall or injury should be checked out by a health care professional. Other warning signs include a loss of bowel or bladder control, leg weakness, fever, and pain when coughing or urinating. If you have any of these symptoms along with your back pain, contact your doctor.

Muscle Strain or Sciatica?

The kind of back pain that follows heavy lifting or exercising too hard is often caused by muscle strain. But sometimes back pain can be related to a disc that bulges or ruptures. If a bulging or ruptured disc presses on the sciatic nerve, pain may run from the buttock down one leg. This is called sciatica.

Back Pain Culprit: Your Job

If your job involves lifting, pulling, or anything that twists the spine, it may contribute to back pain. However, sitting at a desk all day comes with risks of its own, especially if your chair is uncomfortable or you tend to slouch.

Back Pain Culprit: Your Bag

Although you may wear your purse, backpack, or briefcase over your shoulder, it is the lower back that supports the upper body -- including any additional weight you carry. So an overstuffed bag can strain the lower back, especially if you carry it day after day. If you must tote a heavy load, consider switching to a wheeled briefcase.

Back Pain Culprit: Your Workout

Overdoing it at the gym or golf course is one of the most common causes of overextended muscles leading to low back pain. You're especially vulnerable if you tend to be inactive during the work week and then spend hours at the gym or softball field on the weekend.

Back Pain Culprit: Your Posture

Mom was right when she said, "Stand up straight!" Your back supports weight best when you don't slouch. This means sitting with good lumbar support for your lower back, shoulders back, with feet resting on a low stool. When standing, keep weight evenly balanced on both feet.

Back Pain Culprit: Herniated Disc

The spine's vertebrae are cushioned by gel-like discs that are prone to wear and tear from aging or injuries. A weakened disc may rupture or bulge, putting pressure on the spinal nerve roots. This is known as a herniated disc and can cause intense pain.

Back Pain Culprit: Chronic Conditions

Several chronic conditions can lead to low back pain.

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the space around the spinal cord, which can put pressure on the spinal nerves.

Spondylitis refers to chronic back pain and stiffness due to severe inflammation of the spinal joints.

Fibromyalgia causes widespread muscle aches, including back pain.

Who's at Risk for Low Back Pain?

Most people get their first taste of low back pain in their 30s. The odds of additional attacks increase with age. Other reasons your low back may hurt include:

• Being overweight
• Inactive lifestyle
• Jobs that require heavy lifting

Diagnosing Low Back Pain

To help your doctor diagnose the source of low back pain, be specific in describing the type of pain, when it started, related symptoms, and any history of chronic conditions. Your doctor may order X-rays, CT or MRI scans to look for damaged bones or discs, or other injuries to the spine.

Home Care for Low Back Pain

Back pain due to muscle strain will usually get better on its own, but you can take steps to make yourself more comfortable. A heating pad or warm baths may provide temporary pain relief.

The Bed Rest Debate

When your back hurts, you may not feel like getting out of bed. But if the problem is muscle strain, doctors recommend returning to your normal activities as soon as possible. Studies suggest that any more than a day or two of bed rest can actually make the pain worse and may reduce muscle tone and flexibility.

Yoga

If back pain doesn't go away in three months, there's evidence that yoga can help. In one recent study, people who took 12 weeks of yoga classes had fewer symptoms of low back pain than people who were given a book about care for back pain. The benefits lasted several months after the classes were finished. The study suggests conventional stretching also works just as well. Make sure your instructor is experienced at teaching people with back pain and will modify postures for you as needed.

Spinal Manipulation

Chiropractors and some osteopathic doctors use spinal manipulation to treat low back pain by applying pressure with their hands to bones and surrounding tissues. This treatment is not appropriate for everyone.

Massage Therapy

A study funded by the government suggests that massage may help relieve chronic low back pain. After 10 weeks, people who had weekly massages had less pain and were better able to go about their daily activities than people who got traditional care. That was true no matter what type of massage they got, and the benefits lasted at least six months.

Acupuncture

Can acupuncture treat back pain? The evidence is mixed. In 2009, a study of several hundred people with long-lasting back pain found surprising results. Those who had simulated acupuncture (involving toothpicks tapping the skin) got the same benefits as those who had real acupuncture with needles. After eight weeks, both groups had greater relief than people who did not have acupuncture.

Medications

Mild back pain often feels better with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen. Pain-relieving creams may be helpful for muscle aches. For severe pain or chronic pain, your doctor may recommend prescription medication.

Injections

If simpler therapies and medications aren't helping, your doctor may recommend injections to the back. One procedure, called a nerve root block, targets irritated nerves. Injections for back pain usually contain steroid medication.

Surgery

If long-lasting back pain is interfering with your daily life, and other treatments have not provided relief, you may be a candidate for surgery. Depending on the cause of your pain, a surgeon may remove a herniated disc, widen the space around the spinal cord, and/or fuse two spinal vertebrae together.

Physical Therapy

If back pain has left you inactive for a long time, a rehabilitation program can help you strengthen your muscles and get back to your daily activities. A physical therapist can guide you through stretches, strength exercises, and low-impact cardio that will help you be fitter without straining your back.

Source and other details with pictures: https://www.webmd.com/back-pain/ss/slideshow-low-back-pain-overview