Under EPFO’s Employee Pension Scheme, there were reports that it would be increased from Rs 1,000 to Rs 7,500. Lakhs of pensioners were demanding increase in minimum pension for a long time and were expecting a pension of Rs 7,500, but the government has said that there is no proposal to increase it at present. The Ministry of Labor and Employment has responded to the question raised in this regard in the Lok Sabha on Thursday.
This news may disappoint more than 85 lakh pensioners of the country. On the question of BJP MP from South Delhi Ramveer Singh Bidhuri, the Union Minister of State for Labor and Employment said that at present there is no decision to increase the minimum pension to Rs 7,500.
…then how much will be the minimum pension?
The minister said that considering the stability of the government EPS fund and future liabilities, the existing system will continue. The government has clarified in Parliament that the minimum pension of Rs 1,000 will continue under the EPS-95 Employees Pension Scheme. The government also makes budgetary provisions to maintain it and contribute to the pension fund of the employees. There is a provision of 8.33% contribution from the employer’s side and 1.16% contribution from the government’s side in the EPS fund.
At present the minimum monthly pension under EPS-95 is Rs 1,000. This system is in effect from September 1, 2014. The government had also told in the last session of Parliament that the Center will continue budgetary support for the minimum pension of Rs 1,000 under EPS.
Pensioners organization’s side
According to EPS-95 National Struggle Committee, pensioners have been putting their demands before the government for the last several years. Several memorandums were given and peaceful demonstrations were held, but despite all this, no concrete decision has been taken on increasing the minimum pension. EPS 95 Rashtriya Sangharsh Samiti says that the organization considers the demand of Rs 7,500 as a basic need for a dignified life after retirement. However, the government has also considered future liabilities as an important factor.
More than 85 lakh pensioners in the country
Talking about total pensioners, there are 85.84 lakh pensioners under EPS in the country. The government data till March 31, 2026, shows that 85,84,604 pensioners are taking monthly pension under EPS. Under this scheme, pension worth Rs 15,819.28 crore was distributed till financial year 2026. According to pensioners’ organizations, the minimum pension limit of Rs 1,000 is very low for them. They are expecting the government to increase it in future.
Source: ndtv.in
