New Delhi:
The EPS-95 National Movement Committee (NAC) has been advocating for an increase in pension amounts for an extended period Recently, they even considered organizing a protest to push for this change.
The EPS-95 NAC has stated that the government has now promised to review the demand for a higher pension.
Approximately 78 lakh pensioners from the EPS-95 scheme are requesting that the minimum monthly pension be raised to Rs 7,500.
Current Pension Issues and Government Response
According to the pensioners’ organization, Union Labor and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya met with their representatives and assured that the government would take necessary steps to address their concerns.
This assurance came after a protest held by EPS-95 NAC members in the national capital.
Protesters from various parts of the country voiced their demand for an increase in the average monthly pension, which is currently only Rs 1,450.
The organization highlighted that around 36 lakh pensioners receive less than Rs 1,000 per month.
Committee Chairman Ashok Raut stated that the Labor Minister expressed the government’s seriousness in resolving these issues and mentioned that the Prime Minister is also committed to finding a solution.
Raut emphasized that despite their long-term contributions to the pension fund, pensioners are receiving inadequate benefits.
Call for Pension Increase
The current pension amount is insufficient for elderly couples to manage their living expenses.
The EPS-95 NAC has called for an increase in the minimum pension to Rs 7,500 per month, which should include dearness allowance and free health facilities for pensioners’ spouses.
Additionally, several MPs from Congress and other opposition parties have met with the organization’s members and pledged support for their demand for a higher pension.
