EPS-95 Pensioners Seek ₹7,500 Monthly Pension, Dearness Allowance, Free Medical Care, and Higher Pension Benefits
New Delhi: housands of EPS-95 pensioners will stage a nationwide protest at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, on August 5, 2026. Organised by the EPS-95 National Agitation Committee, the protest follows years of unanswered appeals for pension reforms.
The committee has demanded a ₹7,500 minimum monthly pension, Dearness Allowance (DA), free medical treatment for pensioners and their spouses, and higher pension benefits for eligible retirees as per Supreme Court judgments.
Addressing a press conference at the Press Club of India, National President Commander Ashok Raut said nearly 8.1 million EPS-95 pensioners have waited years for these reforms.He stated that the absence of concrete government action has compelled pensioners to launch another nationwide protest.
EPS-95 Committee Demands Inflation-Linked Pension and DA for Retirees
The EPS-95 National Agitation Committee has announced that its nationwide protest on August 5 will go ahead after the government failed to introduce pension reforms within the one-month deadline set during its July 1, 2026 National Executive Committee meeting in Kolkata. Commander Ashok Raut said the decision reflects the growing disappointment among pensioners.
According to the committee, a large number of EPS-95 beneficiaries survive on an average pension of around ₹1,171 per month, making it increasingly difficult to manage daily expenses as inflation and medical costs continue to rise. The committee said the existing ₹1,000 minimum pension is outdated and no longer reflects current economic realities.
Raut said workers who spent decades contributing to the nation’s industrial and economic development deserve a secure and dignified retirement. Therefore, the committee has renewed its demand for a ₹7,500 minimum pension, calling it a basic social security measure.
The organisation further argued that EPS-95 pensions should be revised periodically and linked with Dearness Allowance (DA) to prevent the steady erosion of pension value caused by inflation.
EPS-95 Committee Calls for Free Medical Facilities
Commander Ashok Raut raised concerns over rising healthcare costs. He said many EPS-95 pensioners cannot afford quality treatment because of inadequate medical support. The committee demanded free healthcare for pensioners and their spouses, calling it an essential part of social security.
Higher Pension Benefits Yet to Reach Eligible Retirees
The committee claimed that many eligible pensioners are still awaiting the higher pension benefits despite the Supreme Court’s landmark rulings in 2016 and 2022. It urged the Centre and the EPFO to implement the court’s orders without further delay.
Government Urged to Act on Long-Pending Pension Demands
The committee said it has repeatedly submitted memoranda to the Prime Minister, Finance Ministry, Labour Ministry, MPs and senior officials, highlighting practical financial options for improving EPS-95 pensions. It maintained that its proposals are economically feasible.
Earlier Committee Recommendations Still Await Action
Referring to the Koshyari Committee and the Parliamentary Standing Committee, the organisation said both had recommended strengthening the pension scheme. However, it alleged that the recommendations have remained pending without policy implementation.
Nationwide Agitation to Expand in Phases
The committee appealed for immediate government intervention, saying the issue affects millions of retired workers and their families. It warned that the movement would intensify if the government fails to act.
The committee plans to hold protests outside EPFO offices, launch civil disobedience campaigns, organise Jail Bharo movements and begin indefinite hunger strikes. It approved these actions during the Kolkata meeting. The committee also said it would consider self-immolation only as a “last resort” if all democratic efforts fail.
Top EPS-95 Leaders Participate in Press Meet
The media briefing was attended by Virendra Singh Rajawat, Ramakant Nargund, Ramesh Bahuguna, Rajeev Bhatnagar, B. S. Narkhede, B. S. Rana, Shobha Tai Aras, Sarita Tai Narkhede, and several national and state office bearers of the committee.
