EPS-95 Pension Movement Gains Momentum as MPs Shrikant Shinde, Naresh Mhaske, Shrirang Barne and Bhausaheb Wakchaure Extend Support
New Delhi: Thousands of EPS-95 pensioners gathered at Jantar Mantar on Tuesday to demand a minimum monthly pension of ₹7,500, Dearness Allowance (DA), and free healthcare.
Led by the EPS-95 National Agitation Committee (NAC), they warned the Centre of a nationwide ‘Jail Bharo Andolan’ and EPFO office lockdown if their demands remain unmet.
EPS-95 Protest to Intensify if Pension Demands Remain Unmet
Commander Ashok Raut, National President of the EPS-95 National Agitation Committee (NAC), said pensioners have spent the past decade seeking justice through democratic means.
He criticised the government for delaying a decision despite repeated promises and warned that the nationwide protest would intensify unless the minimum EPS-95 pension is increased soon.
Raut said the demand of EPS-95 pensioners is simple: a dignified monthly pension and affordable healthcare.
He argued that the existing pension is far too low to meet everyday expenses, while increasing inflation has made it increasingly difficult for retired employees to manage their household needs.
Four Maharashtra MPs Back EPS-95 Pension Demands
MPs Shrikant Shinde, Naresh G. Mhaske, Shrirang Appa Barne, and Bhausaheb Rajaram Wakchaure extended their support to EPS-95 pensioners during the Jantar Mantar protest. They called the demand for a higher minimum pension, Dearness Allowance (DA), and better welfare benefits legitimate.
The MPs assured pensioners they would raise their concerns in Parliament and urged the Central Government to resolve the issue without further delay.
EPS-95 Rally Sees Strong Participation from National and State Leaders
Senior office-bearers and state representatives of the EPS-95 National Agitation Committee addressed the Jantar Mantar rally. Key leaders included Virendra Singh Rajawat, Ramakant Nargund, K.S. Tiwari, Rajeev Bhatnagar, Shobha Tai Aras, Sarita Tai Narkhede, and B.S. Narkhede.
Leaders from several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Punjab, and Haryana, also expressed support for the nationwide pension movement.
Expressing deep dissatisfaction with the government’s delay, the speakers said EPS-95 pensioners have waited long enough for justice. They cautioned that unless the Centre takes an immediate decision on their pending demands, the nationwide protest will be intensified.
The leaders made it clear that pensioners are no longer satisfied with promises and are seeking decisive action within a fixed timeline.
