The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) plays a crucial role in ensuring social security for millions of employees in India. The current pension system faces several challenges, affecting the financial well-being of retirees. Under the Employee’s Pension Scheme 1995 (EPS-95), the minimum pension amount is currently only ₹1,000 per month, which is insufficient in today’s era of inflation.

The EPS-95 scheme was introduced in 1995 to provide financial security to employees in both the private and public sectors after retirement. However, over time, it has become evident that the existing pension amount is inadequate to meet the basic needs of pensioners.

At present, nearly 3.66 million pensioners receive a pension of less than ₹1,000 per month. Such a low amount makes it extremely difficult for them to maintain a dignified standard of living.

The EPS-95 National Agitation Committee has put forward a significant proposal, suggesting the following changes:

• Increasing the minimum pension from ₹1,000 to ₹7,500 per month.
• Providing dearness allowance (DA) to pensioners.
• Offering free medical facilities to pensioners.

Under the EPFO scheme, both employees and employers contribute 12% of the employee’s basic salary. Out of this:

• 8.33% goes to the Employee’s Pension Scheme (EPS).
• 3.67% goes to the Employee’s Provident Fund (EPF).
  This structured contribution system aims to ensure financial security for employees in the long run.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently met with EPS-95 pensioners and assured them that their demands would be considered with sympathy. This assurance has given pensioners a ray of hope.

Some trade unions have proposed increasing the minimum pension to ₹5,000. However, the EPS-95 committee believes this amount is insufficient and insists that ₹7,500 should be the minimum pension.

If the proposed changes are implemented, they will bring several benefits to pensioners:

• Better Financial Security: A higher pension will ensure a more comfortable post-retirement life.
• Free Medical Facilities: This will help reduce healthcare expenses.
• Dearness Allowance (DA): It will assist pensioners in coping with rising living costs.

Despite the positive aspects, implementing these changes poses certain challenges. The government will face increased financial pressure, and ensuring that all eligible pensioners receive benefits will be crucial. Pensioners hope that the government will approve this proposal in the 2025 budget.

If these reforms are implemented, they will be a significant step forward for private-sector employees. Not only will they improve financial security, but they will also enhance the overall quality of life for pensioners.

This article is for informational purposes only. The information provided does not constitute any official announcement or decision. Readers are advised to consult official sources or financial experts before making any financial decisions.