SPARSH Audit Module Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is one of the main reasons for implementing an Integrated Audit Module in SPARSH?

To reduce all forms of manual intervention.

To eliminate the need for any checkpoints in the system.

To automate all pension payments completely.

To ensure the accuracy of pension management processes. (correct)

How does the system audit for Family Pension Eligibility operate?

It automatically calculates based on predefined criteria. (correct)

It requires manual calculations performed by the user.

It is reviewed by multiple external stakeholders.

It depends solely on the pensioner's input.

What is a key function of the Disbursement Audit in the context of SPARSH?

To verify that arrears disbursements over ₹1.00 lakh are justified. (correct)

To check all pension requests before they are submitted.

To enhance the processing speed of all payments.

To approve all payments under ₹1.00 lakh without review.

Which step is involved in the Re-employment Request Audit process?

Details are verified by the Taskholder. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of integrating an Audit Module into SPARSH?

Increased manual checks to ensure accuracy. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the SPARSH system?

Automate sanction and disbursement of defence pensions Signup and view all the answers

Which entity implemented the SPARSH initiative?

Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Pensions), Prayagraj Signup and view all the answers

Which objective of SPARSH focuses on data correctness?

Self-verification for first-time correct data Signup and view all the answers

What convenience does SPARSH provide to pensioners regarding grievance management?

Real time tracking of grievances Signup and view all the answers

How many pension initiating, sanctioning, and disbursement agencies have been integrated into SPARSH?

Over 3,000 Signup and view all the answers

What does SPARSH allow pensioners to do regarding their pension?

Easily check their pension accounts Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is not a key objective of SPARSH?

Pension advisory services Signup and view all the answers

Which feature of SPARSH eliminates the need for pensioners to visit offices multiple times?

Digital verification processes Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the Pensioner Portal in SPARSH?

To manage pension accounts and track information Signup and view all the answers

Which feature of SPARSH is essential for protecting pensioners against fraud?

Pensioner Data Verification Signup and view all the answers

How many rules does the Operational Decision Manager (ODM) incorporate in SPARSH?

500+ Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the SPARSH Audit?

To ensure efficiency and accountability of operations Signup and view all the answers

What does the feature 'Track Pension Claim' allow users to do?

Manage payment and claim records Signup and view all the answers

What type of requests can users raise regarding their profiles in SPARSH?

Request for profile amendment Signup and view all the answers

Which automated component plays a critical role in the SPARSH platform from sanction to disbursement?

Operational Decision Manager Signup and view all the answers

What information can users view or download related to their pension?

Monthly pension slip and PPO Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the Order Verifier in the SPARSH system?

To verify order details against official records Signup and view all the answers

Which audit focuses on ensuring pension eligibility based on medical factors?

Medical Details Audit Signup and view all the answers

What action does the Pay Verifier take if discrepancies are found during the pay details audit?

Return the case for correction Signup and view all the answers

What does the Rank Pay Audit in the SPARSH system specifically validate?

Service and pay details after approval Signup and view all the answers

Who reviews all pension-related details before corrections are made by the Review Officer?

Audit Initiator Signup and view all the answers

In the SPARSH system, what triggers the alert to the Audit Initiator?

Detection of data tampering Signup and view all the answers

Which step is crucial to avoid errors in pension calculations and disbursements?

Pay Details Audit Signup and view all the answers

What type of audit is conducted by reviewing service details submitted by the Service Initiator?

Service Details Audit Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the SPARSH Audit Manual?

To guide internal auditors in conducting Computer-Aided Manual Audits. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the objectives of the SPARSH Audit?

To assess the performance of internal auditors. Signup and view all the answers

Which area is included in the scope of work for the SPARSH Audit?

Verification of service and financial records. Signup and view all the answers

What does the data-audit/data-analysis method primarily aim to examine in the SPARSH Audit?

The correctness of pension calculations and payments. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key component assessed within the SPARSH audit scope?

Reconciliation of accounts. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of auditing data modification trails in the SPARSH system?

To verify user activity and ensure accountability. Signup and view all the answers

Which regulations must the SPARSH Audit comply with?

The Pension Act and Defense Pension Regulations. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'disbursement module' refer to in the context of the SPARSH audit?

The electronic system used to manage payments and recoveries. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

System Audit for Exceptional Cases

Exceptional cases for war injury grants undergo specialized audit workflows to ensure precision.
Family Pension Eligibility is auto-calculated by the system, with supervisor approval involved.
Disbursement audits are mandatory for arrears exceeding ₹1.00 lakh to validate high-value payments.
Re-employment requests are audited and validated by a Taskholder, reviewed by a Re-employment Verifier before approval.

Need for Audit Module in SPARSH

An Integrated Audit Module is essential for maintaining the integrity of pension management processes.
Defence Audit Code 2022 requires standardized audit practices for effective system functioning.
Manual audits are labor-intensive and susceptible to human error, necessitating independent audits for accuracy.
Benefits of a comprehensive Audit Module include:
- Automated verification of pension entitlements.
- Real-time monitoring of discrepancies and overpayments.
- Reduced manual audits, thus minimizing human errors.

Introduction to SPARSH

SPARSH (System for Pension Administration Raksha) is a Ministry of Defence initiative aimed at enhancing defence pension management with efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness.
Launched in July 2021, SPARSH integrates over 3,000 agencies for sanctioning and disbursing defence pensions.
The system provides complete transparency of the pensioner's history and ongoing entitlement status.
Covers all pension-related activities including initiation, sanction, disbursement, revisions, and grievance management.

Objectives of SPARSH

Centralizes pension sanctioning, functioning with extreme decentralization.
Ensures uniformity in pension disbursement through a single source.
Facilitates easy data validation and correction to create accurate records.
Enables digital identification of pensioners, minimizing their office visits.
Offers real-time tracking of grievances for timely resolutions.
Empowers pensioners to manage and check their pension accounts online.

Facilities for Pensioners

The Pensioner Portal provides a single point of contact for all pension-related inquiries.
Allows users to store and manage their pension details.
Pensioner Data Verification helps in promptly checking the accuracy of pension claims.
Claims can be tracked for updates on their status.
Pre and post-retirement tracking features facilitate real-time information access.
Requests for profile amendments can be submitted without needing hard copies.
Users can view/download monthly pension slips and tax-related documents.

Purpose of SPARSH Audit

SPARSH has automated controls to manage financial, operational, and security risks.
An internal audit assesses the system's efficiency and integrity, evaluating controls and processes.
Notable features include Operational Decision Manager with over 500 rules and 1,000 validations for automation.

Key Checks and Controls for Audit

Order, Service, Pay, Medical, and Rank Pay audits ensure consistency and correctness at various stages.
Data tampering checks alert auditors to unauthorized modifications in sensitive data.
Manual audit processes involve the Audit Initiator and Review Officer for resolving discrepancies.

Need for SPARSH Audit Manual

A comprehensive guide, the SPARSH Audit Manual, is essential for conducting audits effectively until a full Audit Module is available.

Objective of SPARSH Audit

Ensures accurate calculation and payment of pensions and related benefits per relevant laws and guidelines.
Verifies payment integrity and recovery accuracy in the Disbursement Module.
Assures accountability within the system, tracking modifications and user activities.
Compliance with Pension Act and detection of discrepancies or unauthorized actions is prioritized.

Scope of Work for SPARSH Audit

Encompasses all components, including pension claims initiation, financial record verification, PPO issuance, and grievance handling.
Scope of pension sanction audits covers the validation of entitlements for gratuity and other benefits.

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Description

This quiz covers the essential aspects of the Audit Module in the SPARSH system, including workflows for war injury grants and family pension eligibility. It highlights the need for standardized practices as per the Defence Audit Code 2022, emphasizing automated verification and the reduction of manual errors. Explore the audits' pivotal role in maintaining integrity within pension management.