EPFO News – Only 7 days are left in 2025, after which the new year will begin with new hopes. People celebrate the new year in different ways. This year is likely to be very beneficial for central government employees as well as PF (Provident Fund) employees.
While the 8th Pay Commission will bring a shower of benefits for central government employees, the government may also take some surprising decisions for PF employees. It is expected that the central government may decide to increase the minimum pension amount for private sector employees whose PF is deducted. PF employee organisations have been demanding this for a long time. This decision may be finalised in 2026.
EPS amount may increase
The central government is considering increasing the minimum amount of the Employee Pension Scheme (EPS). The minimum pension amount under EPS may be increased to Rs 7,000. This decision may be taken after the general budget, but it has not yet been officially confirmed. Union Minister of State for Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary, had recently denied any such proposal in the Lok Sabha.
He had said that the government is not currently considering increasing the pension amount for PF employees. However, PF employee organisations are continuously submitting memorandums demanding this. This demand has gained momentum since the government implemented the EPS. Now, the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment will have to decide on this.
Provision for pension after retirement
PF employees have a provision for a pension after retirement. Currently, EPFO provides a minimum pension of Rs 1,000 to retired employees. The government increased the minimum amount of EPS to Rs 1,000 in 2014. Since then, there has been no increase in the employee pension scheme.
According to the EPFO report, the current number of PF members is approximately 8 crore. The pension benefit is available only to employees who have completed a minimum of 10 years of service. The monthly pension starts after the age of 58.