With inflation again on the rise and focusing different bodies’ eyes on the pensions of the pensioners, the proposed ₹9000 minimum monthly pension under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS-95) has revived the cause in 2025. Employee unions and pensioners’ associations have intensified pressure on the governments and the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) to act on this dream men’s long dormant demand.
Long-Stand Demand Of Pensioners
On the very basic demand of EPS-95 pensioners, it is to raise the minimum pension from today’s level of ₹1,000 to ₹9,000 a month. Also, the pensioners argue that this minimum sum is utterly insufficient to satisfy the basic needs of food, medicine, and occasional shelter, particularly in urban centers. Such a demand has been nagging for years now. However, it is likely to come back into focus with new developments in 2025.
Protests And Militant Actions
Several organizations of pensioners led mainly by the NAC have arranged protests in January 2025 in particular cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad. Thousands of pensioners gathered peacefully to spread their ‘sufferings”-every day is a battle for them financially. Memoranda were filed with EPFO regional offices and with several ministries of the central government, demanding an immediate action plan.
Government Response And EPFO Stance
For now, the government recognized the concerns of pensioners and indicated the setting up of a high-level committee to examine the feasibility of the increase in pension. No confirmation of the ₹9,000 demand, however, has been reported at an official level. Well, EPFO has not been left behind and pointed out issues regarding financial sustainability, saying such steep hike could place resource strain without additional funding or structural reforms.
The Movement’s Impact
The pension hike movement is making political waves as the legislative sessions approach. A number of political leaders have already declared their support for the demand since elections are drawing near. Economists suggest although a humanitarian side exists regarding the hike, it will need a revamping of how the pension fund currently gets contributions.
What Next?
The next few months promise to be consequential. Pensioners are gearing up for those nationwide protests in the event that their demands do not get an audience anytime soon. In anticipation are stakeholders awaiting an official position from the Ministry of Labour and EPFO, which is likely to announce its position before the mid-year policy review.
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