Thousands of pensioners covered under EPS-95 will protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on August 5.
Pensioners covered under the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) pension scheme EPS-95 on Monday called for a nationwide protest on August 5th demanding a minimum monthly pension of ₹7,500. Currently, the minimum monthly pension under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) is only ₹1,000, and the current system has been in effect since September 1, 2014.
Dearness Allowance and Free Medical Facilities Also Demanded
The EPS-95 National Struggle Committee has called for a protest in support of the demand for a minimum monthly pension of ₹7,500 under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS), providing dearness allowance (DA), free medical care to pensioners and their spouses, and providing higher pension benefits to eligible retired employees in accordance with Supreme Court rulings.
Protest to be held at Jantar Mantar on August 5th
Commander Ashok Raut, National President of the National Struggle Committee, stated that reforms to the pension system have been a long-standing demand. Now, thousands of pensioners covered under EPS-95 will protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on August 5. The committee says that despite years of submitting memorandums, holding peaceful demonstrations, and appealing to the government, no positive policy decision has been made on this issue.
Demands have been raised for more than a decade
Commander Ashok Raut stated that approximately 8.1 million EPS-95 pensioners have been raising these demands for more than a decade. He stated that despite repeated assurances from the government, no concrete steps have been taken. Raut stated that a large number of EPS-95 pensioners receive an average monthly pension of only ₹1,171, which is insufficient to sustain a living under the current economic conditions.
Self-immolation will be the last resort
The committee states that workers who have contributed to the country’s industrial and economic development for decades deserve a retirement income that provides them with financial security and a dignified life. Raut stated, “The demand for a minimum monthly pension of ₹7,500 is not for an additional benefit but to ensure a dignified life, basic needs, and social security.” The committee warned that if the government continues to ignore their demands, self-immolation will be their last resort.
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