EPS News: Nationwide protest announced; who is demanding ₹7,500 from the government?

EPS News: The EPS-95 Pensioners' Association is set to hold a nationwide protest on August 5. The objective of this protest is to demand a minimum pension of ₹7,500.

EPS Protest: A protest recently concluded at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. Now, the site—which briefly appeared empty—is poised to witness another wave of protest. Pensioners across the country have long been demanding an increase in the minimum pension. To press this demand, pensioners are now organizing a nationwide agitation in Delhi. Several demands, including an increase in the minimum pension, will be raised during this movement.

When will the protest take place?

The EPS-95 National Agitation Committee has announced nationwide protests for August 5 to demand an increase in the minimum pension. The organization's primary demand is to raise the minimum monthly pension under the Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS-95) from ₹1,000 to ₹7,500. A large number of pensioners are expected to participate in this protest, which is scheduled to take place at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. The organization states that while they have been presenting their demands to the government for several years, no concrete decision has been taken yet.

What are the pensioners' key demands?

The main demands of EPS-95 pensioners include raising the minimum monthly pension to ₹7,500, granting Dearness Allowance (DA) to pensioners, and providing free medical facilities to pensioners and their spouses. Additionally, there is a demand to extend the benefit of a higher pension to eligible retired employees in accordance with Supreme Court rulings.

What did the pensioners say?

Speaking on the matter, Commander Ashok Raut, the National President of the Committee, stated, "A large number of EPS-95 pensioners are receiving an average monthly pension of around ₹1,171." Amidst today's high cost of living, it is becoming difficult for the elderly to manage daily expenses with such a meager pension. These employees have contributed to the growth of the country's industry and economy for decades. Therefore, upon retirement, they should receive a pension that allows them to live a dignified life.

What is the current pension amount?

It is worth noting that, at present, a minimum monthly pension of ₹1,000 is provided under the EPS. This arrangement has been in effect since September 1, 2014. The EPS scheme is administered by the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). The organization also states that approximately 81 lakh EPS-95 pensioners have been appealing to the government regarding their demands for over a decade. However, their pleas have gone unheeded so far, prompting the organization to launch this agitation.