EPS-95 Pensioners To Stage Jantar Mantar Protest Over ₹7,500 Pension Demand

New Delhi: The agitation has once again intensified regarding the long-pending demands of lakhs of pensioners of the Employees Pension Scheme (EPS-95). EPS-95 National Agitation Committee has called for protests across the country on August 5. Pensioners say that the current minimum pension is not enough to lead a dignified life in the era of inflation. The organisation is demanding the government increase the minimum monthly pension to Rs 7,500, implement dearness allowance (DA), and provide other social security benefits.

What are the main demands of pensioners?

The biggest demand of the EPS-95 National Agitation Committee is to increase the minimum monthly pension to Rs 7,500. Along with this, the pensioners say that they should also be given dearness allowance like the retired employees of the Central Government so that the impact of rising inflation is less on their income. The organisation argues that with the current pension amount, it has become difficult to bear the burden of medicines, treatment and daily expenses.

Are medical facilities also included in the demands?

Pensioners have not only raised the demand for an increase in pension. They demand that free or subsidised medical care should be provided to EPS-95 beneficiaries and their spouses. He says that most of the pensioners are senior citizens and the expenditure on health as they grow older has become their biggest concern. Therefore, health security should also be made a part of pension reform.

Has the government taken any decision yet?

At present, no official announcement has been made by the central government to increase the minimum pension to Rs 7,500 or to implement DA. However, the Ministry of Labour and Employment has been reviewing various issues related to EPS from time to time. Pensioners hope that after the continuous pressure and nationwide agitation, the government can take a positive decision on their demands.

Is minimum pension available in the current system?

Under the current system, eligible beneficiaries of EPS-95 are guaranteed a minimum pension of Rs 1,000 per month. This system has been in force since 2014. Pensioners say that inflation has increased manifold in the last decade, but the minimum pension has not increased in the same proportion. This is why they have been demanding amendments for a long time.

Can the movement affect the government's decisions?

EPS-95 National Agitation Committee claims that thousands of pensioners in different states of the country will participate in this movement. The organisation says that if the demands are not decided soon, the movement will be made more widespread. On the other hand, the final decision on any change related to pension will be taken only through the process of the central government and EPFO. At present, the eyes of lakhs of pensioners are fixed on the next announcement of the government.