New Delhi, Sep 11 (IANS): In a major relief to thousands of pensioners, the Union government on Friday extended the time period for submission of life certificates till December 31.

Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Jitendra Singh said that all central government pensioners can now submit life certificates from November 1 to December 31.

Earlier, such certificates could be submitted only in November for continuity of pension.

"Pensioners in the age group of 80 and above can submit certificates from October 1 to December 31. During this extended period, the pensions will be continued to be paid uninterrupted by the Pension Disbursing Authorities," a government statement said.

Singh said that the decision was taken in view of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and the vulnerability of the elderly.

The government said that as per a RBI notification dated January 9, 2020, which permits video-based Customer Identification Process (V-CIP) as consent-based alternate method of establishing the customer's identity, Pension Disbursing Banks have been asked to explore the said methodology for obtaining life certificates from pensioners, to the extent permitted by the RBI guidelines, in order to avoid a rush at the banks.