Representation Regarding Annual Validity of e-PAN UMID Cards and Associated Charges

 No                            BPS/SG/RELHS/025/5     Date: 10.05.2025   

To

The DG (HR)

The DG (RHS)

The Principal Executive Director (Health)

Railway Board-Ministry of Railways

Subject: Representation Regarding Annual Validity of   e-PAN UMID Cards and Associated Charges

Respected Sir/Madam,

On behalf of Bharat Pensioners Samaj (BPS)—the largest federation representing railway pensioners across India—we would like to draw your kind attention to a serious concern raised by numerous pensioners regarding the e-PAN UMID cards issued through DigiLocker.

It has come to our notice that the validity displayed on these digitally issued cards is restricted to just one year. This has caused widespread confusion and concern among pensioners, as it creates an impression that:

1. The UMID card must be renewed every year, and

2. A payment of Rs. 100/- will be required annually through the HMIS system to maintain validity.

If this interpretation is correct, it amounts to imposing a recurring financial burden on senior citizens, most of whom are on limited or fixed pensions. Furthermore, this would contradict the policy followed earlier, where physical UMID cards did not carry any expiry date, thus eliminating the need for periodic renewal and payments.

BPS strongly feels that:

· There should be no annual renewal requirement for e-UMID cards, especially for retired railway employees.

· The validity shown on DigiLocker should reflect the lifetime validity of the card, unless there is a specific change in eligibility or personal details.

· The Rs. 100/- fee, if being charged annually, must be waived for all pensioners and family pensioners.

This issue is causing undue anxiety and financial hardship among elderly beneficiaries who depend on UMID for accessing critical medical facilities. We respectfully urge the Railway Board to review this matter on priority, issue clarifications, and take necessary steps to ensure that UMID e-cards reflect permanent validity—as was the case with earlier cards.

We look forward to your kind intervention and an early resolution in the interest of justice and dignity for our senior citizens.

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely,

S. C. Maheshwari

Secretary General

Bharat Pensioners Samaj (BPS)

      

      Copy: To The Joint Secretary Government of India- DOP &PW with the request to take up the case at your level please.

     

      S. C. Maheshwari

Secretary General

Bharat Pensioners Samaj (BPS)