EPFO Minimum Pension Hike 2026: The biggest demand of pensioners is an increase in the minimum monthly pension. Currently, these pensioners receive an average pension of ₹1,171 per month, while the minimum guarantee is only ₹1,000. Pensioners are demanding an increase to ₹7,500 per month.

EPFO Minimum Pension Hike 2026: EPS-95 pensioners under the retirement fund organization EPFO ​​have begun a three-day protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi starting March 9 to press for their demands. Approximately 8.1 million pensioners covered under the EPFO's EPS-95 scheme have begun a three-day nationwide protest from March 9 demanding a pension increase. This movement, which began with the second phase of the budget session, has now escalated into a do-or-die battle.

What is the EPS-95 Scheme?

EPS-95 (Employees' Pension Scheme, 1995) is a social security scheme run by the Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO). Under this scheme, employees who have worked for at least 10 years are paid a monthly pension after the age of 58.

This scheme was created to provide financial support to employees in the organized and, in some cases, unorganized sectors after retirement. Currently, the minimum pension under this scheme is ₹1,000 per month. However, pensioners have long been demanding an increase to ₹7,500 per month to provide them with better financial support in times of inflation.

What is the main demand?

The biggest demand of pensioners is an increase in the minimum monthly pension. Currently, these pensioners receive an average pension of ₹1,171 per month, while the minimum guaranteed pension is only ₹1,000. Pensioners are demanding an increase to ₹7,500 per month, along with the addition of dearness allowance (DA).

9 Years of Struggle and 4 Major Demands

The 'EPS-95 National Agitation Committee,' led by Commander Ashok Raut, has been continuously fighting for the past nine years. Their main demands are:

Minimum Pension ₹7,500: The current pension of ₹1,000 should be increased to ₹7,500.

Free Medical Facility: There should be a provision for free treatment for pensioners and their spouses.

Benefit of Higher Pension: All eligible individuals should benefit from the increased pension as per the Supreme Court's decision of November 4, 2022.

Relief for Excluded Members: The benefits should also be extended to those pensioners who were excluded from the scheme.

Questions on "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas"

The Pensioners Committee launched a scathing attack on the government, stating that despite contributing to the EPFO ​​for 30 to 35 years, the amount they receive is "nominal." The committee alleges that while the government proclaims "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas," it is inaudible to the cries of millions of elderly people. They say that pensions are being distributed without any contribution under many government schemes, while those who have saved their hard-earned money are forced to wander aimlessly.

More than 200 deaths every day

Protesters presented harrowing statistics, claiming that due to low pensions and lack of free medical care, 200 to 250 elderly pensioners in the country are dying prematurely every day. Pensioners say this is not just an economic demand, but a fight for their "right to live with dignity."

What's next?

The protest will continue until March 11th. Thousands of pensioners from various states across the country are attending the protest. Members of Parliament from several political parties have also reached Jantar Mantar and pledged their support. It remains to be seen whether the government will take any concrete decisions on these elderly people's legitimate demands during this second phase of the budget session.