NI Bureau
Thousands Gather at Azad Maidan, Demand ₹7,500 Minimum Pension and Free Healthcare
Pensioners Warn of Massive Electoral Consequences if Government Fails to Act
Mumbai, October 02nd , 2024:
Thousands of EPS-95 pensioners from Maharashtra gathered at Azad Maidan, Mumbai, to protest their long-pending demands. Along with pensioners from Maharashtra, around 6,000 to 7,000 elderly pensioners from Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh participated in the rally. The main demands of the pensioners include a minimum monthly pension of ₹7,500, dearness allowance, and free medical facilities for both spouses.
These demands have been pending for the last 8 years, despite being raised multiple times in Parliament by various MPs. However, the central government has not taken any concrete steps yet. Millions of pensioners are struggling to survive on an average monthly pension of ₹1,171. According to Commander Ashok Raut, National President of the EPS-95 National Agitation Committee (NAC), around 200-250 pensioners are dying daily due to extreme financial hardships.
Commander Raut issued a stern warning, stating, “If our demands are not met before the Maharashtra Assembly elections, the government will face the consequences in the polls. Pensioners are frustrated, and the state government may find it difficult to win the elections without their support.” He further added that if the demands are accepted, they will take full responsibility for ensuring the government’s victory in the elections.
The pensioners believe that the Maharashtra Chief Minister still has an opportunity to address their economic grievances by pushing the central government to approve the minimum pension of ₹7,500 per month. If the government fails to act, this discontent could translate into a significant loss of votes in the upcoming elections.
It is important to note that approximately 1.5 crore members of the EPS-95 NAC, along with their families, reside in Maharashtra. Pensioners have made it clear that this protest is just the beginning, and if their demands are ignored, larger demonstrations will follow.
Commander Ashok Raut
National President
EPS-95 National Agitation Committee
Contact:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +91-1234567890
