EPS-95 pensioners to hold 3-day protest from March 9

metro india news  I new delhi

Pensioners under the Employees’ Pension Scheme 1995 (EPS-95) will stage a three-day protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi from March 9 demanding an increase in the minimum monthly pension to Rs 7,500 from the current Rs 1,000.

The protest is being organised by the EPS-95 National Agitation Committee, which represents around 8.1 million pensioners from central and state public sector undertakings, cooperative and private sectors, mills and media organisations. The committee, led by its national president Commander Ashok Raut, said the agitation has been ongoing for the past nine years to press the government to address the issues faced by retired workers.

According to the committee, pensioners who contributed regularly to the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) for 30 to 35 years are receiving an average monthly pension of only about Rs 1,171, which they say is insufficient to meet basic living expenses.

The committee stated that repeated appeals have been made to the Prime Minister, Union ministers and Members of Parliament across political parties, but the demands of pensioners have not been addressed. It criticised the government for ignoring the concerns of elderly retirees despite their long years of service and contributions to the pension fund.

Organisers said pensioners from across the country are expected to participate in the demonstration, which will coincide with the second phase of the Budget Session of Parliament. Leaders from several political parties are also likely to join the protest.

Among the key demands are a minimum pension of Rs 7,500 per month along with dearness allowance and free medical care for pensioners and their spouses.