The EPS-95 National Agitation Committee (NAC) has announced a three-day nationwide protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi from March 9 to March 11, bringing together pensioners from across the country to demand urgent reforms in the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS-95).
Protest Timed with Parliament Session
The protest, led by NAC National President Commander Ashok Raut, will coincide with the second phase of the ongoing Budget Session of Parliament. In doing so, pensioners aim to draw the attention of lawmakers to what they describe as the worsening financial condition of millions of retired workers.
Scale of the Crisis
Meanwhile, nearly 81 lakh pensioners across India are currently dependent on the EPS-95 scheme administered by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). Despite contributing to the pension fund for 30 to 35 years during their service, the average monthly pension under the scheme remains around ₹1,171.
Sustained Movement for Justice
Over the years, an estimated 81 lakh pensioners from central and state government public sector undertakings, cooperative and private sector establishments, mills, and media organisations have been raising their voices under the banner of the EPS-95 National Agitation Committee, led by its National President Commander Ashok Raut. Notably, for the past nine years, the organisation has carried forward a sustained movement—from protests on the streets to appeals before policymakers—seeking justice for pensioners and pressing for the fulfilment of its four key demands.
Repeated Appeals, Limited Response
During this period, the NAC has submitted repeated representations to the Prime Minister, Union Ministers, and Members of Parliament across party lines, urging them to address the plight of elderly pensioners. However, despite these persistent efforts, the committee says that the concerns of pensioners have largely remained unaddressed.
Concerns Over Inadequate Pension
Furthermore, pensioners point out that after contributing regularly to the EPFO pension fund for 30 to 35 years of service, many retirees are still receiving an average monthly pension of around ₹1,171. This amount, they argue, is grossly inadequate to meet even basic living expenses. In addition, the NAC has questioned why contributory pensioners continue to receive such meagre pensions while several welfare schemes provide financial assistance without long-term contributions.
Rising Hardship and Health Challenges
Finally, the organisation claims that the combination of extremely low pensions and the absence of comprehensive free medical care has pushed many elderly pensioners into severe hardship. As a result, NAC leaders warn that financial distress and lack of access to proper healthcare are contributing to the premature deaths of an estimated 200–250 pensioners across the country every day.
Commander Ashok Raut Highlights Pensioners’ Struggles
Commander Ashok Raut, National President of the EPS-95 National Agitation Committee, said, “For nearly a decade, the EPS-95 National Agitation Committee has consistently raised the voice of pensioners across the country. These pensioners have spent their entire working lives contributing to the nation’s economy and to the EPFO pension fund. Yet today, many of them are forced to survive on a pension that does not meet even their basic daily expenses. Through this protest during the Parliament session, we appeal to the government and Members of Parliament to urgently address the long-pending issues of EPS-95 pensioners.”
Pensioners Mobilise for Protest in Delhi
Large delegations of pensioners affiliated with the EPS-95 National Agitation Committee will travel from various states to Delhi to participate in the protest. The NAC leadership stated that the demonstration aims to highlight the urgent need for pension reforms and to seek immediate intervention from the government.
Key Demands of EPS-95 Pensioners
The pensioners have put forward the following key demands:
- The government should grant a monthly pension of ₹5,000 to those pensioners who were excluded from the EPS-95 scheme.
- The government should provide a minimum pension of ₹7,500 per month along with dearness allowance.
- The government should ensure free medical care for pensioners and their spouses.
- Authorities should implement the Supreme Court’s decision dated 4-11-2022 and extend the benefit of higher pension equally to all eligible pensioners.
