Prayagraj: In a significant step towards preserving and celebrating the rich legacy of India’s defence pension administration, Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA) Dr. Mayank Sharma inaugurated the ‘Dharohar’ Gallery at the Draupadi Ghat campus of the Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Pensions), Prayagraj, on Monday.
The gallery showcases the historic journey of the Defence Accounts Department—from its origins in the 1880s to the current digital era—highlighting the evolution of India’s defence pension system, landmark reforms, and the role of SPARSH (System for Pension Administration – Raksha) in transforming pension disbursement.
‘Dharohar’: A Glimpse into a Century of Service
Speaking at the occasion, Dr. Sharma emphasized that Dharohar is not just a museum, but a tribute to the dedication and service of generations of pension administrators. The gallery displays rare archival documents from the 1880s, pre-independence office equipment, vintage furniture, and memorabilia. It also pays homage to former leaders of the department and Param Vir Chakra awardees, along with showcasing numerous government accolades received by the office.
SPARSH: Empowering 3.3 Million Defence Pensioners
Highlighting the revolutionary SPARSH platform, Dr. Sharma noted that the office currently manages pension administration for over 33 lakh defence pensioners, with an annual disbursal of approximately ₹1.7 lakh crore. SPARSH, he said, has enabled real-time, direct transfer of pensions to beneficiaries’ bank accounts, ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficiency.
Over the past year, more than 4 lakh grievances have been resolved through SPARSH, and nearly 5 lakh pension cases were revised in just six months. The initiative has rectified numerous historical errors caused by legacy manual systems, particularly those involving incorrect bank disbursals.
Compassionate Outreach and Women Empowerment
Dr. Sharma highlighted the department’s proactive intervention in several cases involving Veer Naris (war widows). In the past six months alone, the department facilitated the disbursal of ₹18 crore to such beneficiaries. These efforts are part of the broader Digital India vision, empowering pensioners with tools to access, rectify, and monitor their pension data.
Public Engagement and National Outreach
The CGDA emphasized that opening Dharohar to the public will strengthen public trust and engagement with the Defence Accounts Department. He also lauded the tireless efforts of officials and staff who curated the gallery and continue to serve pensioners across India with dedication.
As part of the program, retired personnel whose long-pending grievances were addressed proactively by the department were honoured and presented with benefit cheques. The event was part of a wider outreach under which over 200 programs have been conducted nationwide to connect with pensioners directly.
Historic Legacy of PCDA (P) Prayagraj
Dr. Sharma also reflected on the historic importance of the PCDA (P) office. Originally established in Lahore in the early 1920s, the office was relocated to Prayagraj (then Allahabad) post-partition, along with its records and personnel. Today, the office is spread across 60 acres along the Ganga River, housing seven office blocks and over 450 residential units in four colonies.
The event was also attended by Sandeep Sarkar (Principal Controller), Roopwant Soni (Controller), and Major General Rajesh Bhatt (Sub Area Commander), among other dignitaries.
With initiatives like Dharohar and SPARSH, the Defence Accounts Department is not only preserving its storied past, but also building a more responsive, digital, and inclusive future for India’s veterans and their families.
