In 2025, pensioners under the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) have intensified their long-standing demand for a substantial increase in their monthly pensions. The current minimum pension of ₹1,000, unchanged since 2014, has been deemed insufficient by many retirees, especially in the face of rising living costs. Protests have erupted across various states, with pensioners advocating for a hike to ₹9,000 per month, along with additional benefits to ensure financial security in their retirement years.
Summary Table: Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Minimum Pension | ₹1,000 per month (since 2014) |
| Proposed Pension | ₹9,000 per month |
| Key Demands | Pension hike, Dearness Allowance (DA), free medical services, inclusion in Food Security Act |
| Primary Protest Locations | Nashik (Maharashtra), Chennai, and other parts of India |
| Government Response | Finance Minister assured sympathetic consideration; no official decision yet |
| Affected Pensioners | Over 80 lakh nationwide, with 18 lakh in Maharashtra |
| Relevant Scheme | Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS-95) |
| Official EPFO Website | https://www.epfindia.gov.in |
Background: The EPS-95 Scheme
The Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS-95), managed by the EPFO, was introduced to provide pension benefits to employees in the organized sector. Under this scheme, employees contribute 12% of their basic salary towards the provident fund, with employers matching this contribution. Out of the employer’s share, 8.33% is allocated to the EPS, while the remaining 3.67% goes towards the EPF scheme.
Despite decades of contributions, many retirees receive a minimum pension of ₹1,000 per month, an amount that has remained unchanged since 2014. With inflation and rising living costs, pensioners argue that this amount is inadequate to meet basic needs.
Nationwide Protests and Key Demands
In recent months, protests have intensified across the country. In Nashik, Maharashtra, pensioners staged demonstrations outside the EPFO office in the Satpur area, led by Raju Desle, founder president of the Nashik District EPFO Pensioners Federation. Similar protests have been reported in Chennai and other regions.
The primary demands include:
- Increase in Minimum Pension: Raising the pension from ₹1,000 to ₹9,000 per month.
- Dearness Allowance (DA): To offset inflation and maintain purchasing power.
- Free Medical Services: Government-provided healthcare for pensioners and their spouses.
- Inclusion in the Food Security Act: Ensuring access to subsidized food grains.
Pensioners argue that these measures are essential for a dignified life post-retirement, especially for those who have contributed to the fund for decades.
Government’s Stance and Responses
A delegation of EPS-95 retirees met Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to press for their long-standing demands. The Finance Minister assured them that their concerns would be considered sympathetically. However, as of now, no official decision has been announced regarding the pension hike.
The government acknowledges the challenges faced by pensioners but also cites budgetary constraints in implementing such a significant increase. Discussions are ongoing, and pensioners remain hopeful for a favorable outcome in the upcoming budget announcements.
Impact on Pensioners
The current pension amount of ₹1,000 per month is widely considered insufficient, especially in urban areas where living costs are higher. Many pensioners struggle to afford basic necessities, including food, healthcare, and housing.
An increase to ₹9,000 per month would provide much-needed relief, allowing retirees to live with dignity and financial security. Additionally, the inclusion of DA and access to free medical services would further alleviate the financial burden on elderly citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the current minimum pension under the EPS-95 scheme?
A: The current minimum pension is ₹1,000 per month, a rate that has remained unchanged since 2014.
Q2: Why are pensioners demanding an increase to ₹9,000?
A: Pensioners argue that ₹1,000 is inadequate to meet basic living expenses. An increase to ₹9,000 would better reflect their years of contribution and help cover essential costs.
Q3: What additional benefits are pensioners seeking?
A: Along with the pension hike, pensioners are demanding Dearness Allowance (DA) to combat inflation, free government medical services, and inclusion in the Food Security Act for subsidized food grains.
Q4: Has the government responded to these demands?
A: The Finance Minister has assured pensioners that their demands will be considered sympathetically. However, no official decision has been announced yet.
Q5: How many pensioners are affected by this issue?
A: Over 80 lakh pensioners nationwide are part of the EPS-95 scheme, with approximately 18 lakh residing in Maharashtra.
Conclusion
The demand for a pension hike under the EPS-95 scheme underscores the financial challenges faced by retirees in India. As discussions continue between pensioners and the government, there is hope that the upcoming budget will address these concerns, ensuring a more secure and dignified life for the nation’s elderly citizens.
For official updates and more information, visit the EPFO Official Website.
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