New Delhi: Retirees under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS-95) continue to wait for clarity on the long-standing demand to raise the minimum monthly pension to ₹7,500. Despite repeated representations from pensioner groups, the proposal has not yet received government approval.
At present, the minimum pension under EPS-95 stands at ₹1,000 per month, a figure that many pensioners say is insufficient to meet basic living expenses amid rising inflation.
What Pensioners Are Demanding
Pensioners’ associations and trade unions have been urging the government to:
- Increase the minimum EPS-95 pension to ₹7,500
- Introduce Dearness Allowance (DA) for EPS pensioners
- Provide better medical and social security support for retirees and their spouses
They argue that pensions have not kept pace with the cost of living and need urgent revision.
Government’s Stand So Far
In responses given in Parliament, the Labour Ministry has stated that a sharp increase in the minimum pension poses financial and actuarial challenges. According to official data, the EPS fund is already under pressure, and a higher guaranteed pension would require substantial additional budgetary support.
The government has also clarified that the current ₹1,000 minimum pension itself is supported through budget allocations, in addition to employer and government contributions.
Why the ₹7,500 Hike Is Stuck
Several factors are cited as reasons for the delay:
- Actuarial deficit in the Employees’ Pension Fund
- Fiscal constraints and long-term sustainability concerns
- Need for detailed evaluation and approvals before implementing any major change
Officials have maintained that any revision must balance pensioners’ needs with the financial health of the scheme.
What This Means for EPS Pensioners
As of now, there is no official notification confirming an increase in the minimum EPS-95 pension to ₹7,500. Pensioners will continue to receive benefits under existing rules until a formal decision is announced.
Experts advise pensioners to rely only on official government updates and avoid speculation regarding timelines or amounts.
What Lies Ahead
While the demand for a higher minimum pension remains under discussion, any change will depend on policy decisions, funding availability, and government priorities. Pensioners may need to wait for further announcements before any relief is implemented.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only. Final decisions regarding EPS-95 pension amounts will be subject to official government notifications. Readers are advised to verify details from authorised sources.
