EPFO: The central government introduced the Unified Pension Scheme for central employees last year, which is set to take effect on April 1, 2025. Following this announcement, employees in the private sector who are part of the Employees Provident Fund Organization have begun advocating for an increase in their monthly pensions under the Employees’ Pension Scheme.
Request for a minimum monthly pension be raised to Rs 9,000
Recent media reports indicate that the Chennai EPF Pensioners Welfare Association has addressed a letter to Union Labor and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, requesting that the minimum monthly pension be raised to Rs 9,000, inclusive of dearness allowance. Currently, approximately 186 institutions fall under EPS-95, encompassing around 8 million pensioners.
Commander Ashok Raut, President of the EPS-95 National Struggle Committee, noted that prior to the Union Budget, discussions regarding a pension increase took place with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman; however, no announcement was made in the budget regarding this matter. Pensioners have staged protests outside the EPFO office in Nashik, Maharashtra, demanding an increase in the minimum pension from Rs 1,000 to Rs 9,000. Additionally, various labor organizations across the country have called for a nationwide strike on May 20, advocating for the repeal of labor codes and an end to privatization.
Current pension amount
Currently, EPS beneficiaries receive a monthly pension of Rs 1,000, which many consider insufficient for living expenses. Pensioners are now urging the government to raise this amount to Rs 9,000. Furthermore, they are requesting access to free medical services and dearness allowance.