The demand to increase the minimum pension under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS-95) was once again raised in Parliament.
However, the government has made its position clear—there is no immediate plan to increase the minimum pension.
This update came during a discussion in the Lok Sabha, where several questions were asked about pension benefits and possible changes.
What Questions Were Raised in Parliament
MP N K Premachandran asked important questions, including:
Will the government revise EPS pensions?
Are recommendations from expert committees being considered?
Can pensioners get higher pension based on higher wages?
Will pensioners get more time to pay dues for higher pension?
These questions reflect the growing concern among pensioners about low monthly payouts.
Government’s Response: Focus on Sustainability
Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya explained that the pension system works on a fixed structure.
Under EPS:
Employers contribute 8.33% of wages
The government contributes 1.16% (up to ₹15,000 salary limit)
The government said that pensions are paid from this collected fund and are reviewed regularly to ensure long-term stability.
Minimum Pension Still ₹1,000
One of the biggest concerns is the low minimum pension.
The government confirmed that:
The minimum pension remains ₹1,000 per month
There is no proposal to increase it right now
This amount has not changed for years, even though pensioners have been demanding a higher amount due to rising living costs.
Why Pensioners Keep Demanding an Increase
Many pensioners believe ₹1,000 is not enough to meet daily expenses.
There have been repeated demands to increase it to ₹7,500 or more.
The issue has gained more attention recently due to:
Rising inflation
Court rulings on pension benefits
Discussions around higher wage-based pensions
Despite this, the government says any increase must be balanced with financial sustainability.
Update on Higher Pension Applications
There is some progress on pensions based on higher wages.
Following a Supreme Court order in 2022:
Around 15.24 lakh applications were submitted
Over 99% applications have been processed
Eligible applicants have received demand letters, and those who completed the process have already received their Pension Payment Orders (PPOs).
Deadline to Pay for Higher Pension
For those opting for higher pension, there is a clear timeline.
Pensioners must:
Pay the required amount within 3 months of receiving the demand letter
The government has not announced any extension beyond this period.
Final Takeaway
The demand to increase EPS pension continues, but for now, there is no change in the minimum ₹1,000 pension.
While progress has been made in processing higher pension applications, the bigger issue of low pension amounts remains unresolved.
For lakhs of pensioners, the hope for a meaningful increase is still pending—and all eyes are now on future policy decisions.
