New Delhi, March 7 Pensioners under the Employees' Pension Scheme 1995 (EPS-95), run by the retirement fund body EPFO, will begin a 3-day protest at Jantar Mantar on March 9 to demand a minimum monthly pension increase from the existing Rs 1,000 to Rs 7,500.
As many as 8.1 million pensioners from central and state government public sector undertakings, cooperative/private sectors, mills, and media establishments, under the banner of the EPS 95 National Agitation Committee, led by National President Commander Ashok Raut, have been fighting for their four demands for the past nine years, a statement said.
"Appeals have been made to the Prime Minister, all Union Ministers, and MPs from all parties. However, the government is ignoring the cries of elderly pensioners and making empty claims of "Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas," the committee said.
Even after regularly depositing pension contributions with the EPFO for 30 to 35 years of service, pensioners are still receiving an average monthly pension of Rs 1,171, it said.
However, under various government schemes, pensions are being distributed without any contribution.
Due to such meager pensions and the lack of free medical care, an average of 200-250 pensioners across the country are dying prematurely every day, it alleged.
"Enraged by the government's inhumane behavior and continued neglect of the interests of elderly pensioners, pensioners will hold a "do or die" protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on March 9, 10, and 11, at the start of the second phase of the Budget Session of Parliament," it stated.
A large number of pensioners from all states will participate. MPs from various political parties will also participate.
The main demands of the pensioners are a minimum pension of Rs 7,500 per month plus dearness allowance and free medical care for pensioners and their spouses.
According to the Supreme Court's decision of November 4, 2022, everyone should be given the benefit of a higher pension equally.
Pensioners who were excluded from the EPS-95 scheme should be given a pension of Rs 5,000 per month.
