1. Preamble
Sevana Pension is an official digital platform of the Local Self Government Department (LSGD), Government of Kerala, established for the delivery of statutory and citizen services of Local Self Government Institutions through electronic means.
The Department recognises that the use of digital platforms involves the handling of personal information of citizens. This Policy is therefore issued to assure users of KSMART that their information is collected and used in a lawful manner and that reasonable measures are taken to protect such information from unauthorised access, disclosure, misuse, or loss.
2. Objective
The objective of this Policy is to:
- Inform users about the nature and purpose of information collected through the Sevana Pension portal
- Ensure protection of personal data and system information
- Comply with applicable laws, including the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, Aadhaar Act, and Government of India information security guidelines
- Maintain public trust in digital service delivery
3. Applicability
This Policy applies to all users who access or avail services through the Sevana Pension portal and to all information collected, processed, or stored in connection with such use.
4. Information Collected
For the purpose of providing government services, Sevana Pension may collect such information as is necessary, including:
- Personal details such as name, address, date of birth, and gender
- Contact details including mobile number and email address
- Information furnished by users while submitting applications or service requests
- Government-issued identification details, including Aadhaar, wherever permitted by law
- Records of communication between the user and the portal
- Technical information such as IP address, browser type, date and time of access, and pages visited, collected for security and system administration
No attempt is made to identify users through technical information unless required by law.
5. Purpose of Collection
Information is collected only for official purposes, including:
- Processing and delivery of services under the mandate of LSGD
- Verification of identity or eligibility, wherever required
- Communication with users regarding applications and services
- Maintenance of records as required under applicable laws and rules
6. Lawful Use of Information
Information collected through Sevana Pension is processed in accordance with applicable laws and is used only for the purpose for which it is collected. Personal data is not used for any commercial purpose.
7. Aadhaar-related Information
Where Aadhaar authentication or verification is involved, such information is handled strictly in accordance with the Aadhaar Act, 2016 and the guidelines issued by the UIDAI. Aadhaar numbers, biometric information, and OTPs are not stored or shared in violation of prescribed norms.
8. Sharing of Information
Information may be shared only with:
- Government departments or agencies for lawful and official purposes
- State or Central Government service providers supporting system operations
- Law enforcement or regulatory authorities, where required under law
Under no circumstances is personal information sold or shared for commercial use.
9. Information Security Measures
The Sevana Pension portal follows Government of India information security practices. Reasonable technical and administrative safeguards are in place to protect information against unauthorised access, alteration, or disclosure. Access to information is restricted to authorised personnel only.
10. Retention of Information
Information is retained only for such period as is necessary to fulfil the purpose for which it was collected or as required under applicable laws, rules, and record retention schedules.
11. Rights of Users
Subject to applicable laws, users may:
- Access their personal information available on the portal
- Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
- Request deletion of personal data, wherever permissible
Such requests shall be handled in accordance with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
12. Incident Handling
In the event of any information security incident, appropriate remedial action shall be taken in accordance with Government of India guidelines. Incidents relating to Aadhaar data, if any, shall be handled through authorised government channels.
13. Policy Review
This Policy may be revised from time to time in view of changes in law, technology, or administrative requirements. The revised Policy shall be published on the KSMART portal.