Shruti Suman
No action taken despite two meetings with Prime Minister, Finance Minister
EPS-95 national struggle committee announces nationwide hunger strike
New Delhi, July 19, 2023
The EPS-95 National Struggle Committee, representing retired employees from industrial/public/cooperative/private sectors, known as EPS95 pensioners, who dedicated their service to the nation’s development, is facing dire circumstances due to extremely low pension amounts. These pensioners are living in distressing conditions and losing their dignity within their families and society due to the meager pensions they receive.
While the Indian government has implemented several pension schemes for the welfare of the public, EPS employees receive only a nominal pension amount after contributing to the pension fund throughout their service. This amount, currently fixed at INR 1170/-, fails to support the basic needs and sustenance of the elderly pensioners.
The EPS-95 National Struggle Committee has organized various protests at different levels, from local to national, including demonstrations in Delhi, over the past seven years. Also chain hunger strike is going on in front of collector’s office BULDHANA ( Maharashtra) ,the Headquarters of NAC since dtd 24.12.2018 and today is 1669 th day of the same. The memorandums have been submitted to all members of the ruling and opposition parties in Parliament. Despite two meetings with the honorable Prime Minister and receiving assurances and directions, the demands of EPS95 pensioners have not been approved due to the negative role played by EPFO. The Committee has also met Finance Minister in the same regards.
Therefore, in accordance with the decisions of the organization, on 20th July 2023, Commander Ashok Raut, National President of NAC organization, and members of the Central Executive Committee have announced to go on a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. To garner further support, pensioners across the country will also undertake hunger strikes at prominent locations on the same day.
Demands are as follows:
Increase the minimum pension amount to INR 7500/- along with a cost-of-living allowance. This amount can be allocated from the EPFO’s pension fund, or provision can be made in the budget. This demand aligns with the recommendation of the Koshyari Committee (Rajya Sabha Petition 147), which considers the increased cost of living (INR 3000/- or more with cost-of-living allowance) over the past ten years.
Provide the option of a higher pension based on actual salary, without discrimination, to all EPS95 pensioners (retired before and after 01.09.2014) as per the correct interpretation of the Supreme Court’s decisions on 04.10.2016 and 04.11.2022. Additionally, adjust the arrears for the difference between the amount previously received and the higher pension amount.
Extend free medical facilities to all EPS-95 pensioners and their spouses.
Include retired employees who were not enrolled in the EPS-95 scheme by making them members or provide them a pension of INR 5000/- per month. The number of such retired employees in the country is significantly low.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee, on 20th April, has already heard the pensioners’ side, along with factual information. It is expected that the committee’s report will be presented in this monsoon session, and the government should fulfill the pensioners’ just demands. Around 200 elderly pensioners depend on these demands to sustain their remaining years with dignity. If the minimum pension is not increased in this monsoon session, nationwide protests will ensue, and the present government will be responsible for the consequences.
