The central government has recently approved the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), addressing long-standing demands for the restoration of pensions for government employees.
This move also brings renewed focus on the demand to increase the minimum pension for private sector retirees to Rs 7,500.
The organization representing private sector pensioners has been advocating for this increase for some time.
In connection with this issue, representatives from the organization met with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
Government’s Response to Pension Demands
During their meeting with Finance Minister Sitharaman, representatives requested an increase in the minimum pension to Rs 7,500 per month.
Sitharaman assured them that the government is attentive to their needs and is working to address the request.
The EPS-95 National Struggle Committee (NAC), which represents about 78 lakh retired pensioners
and 7.5 crore working employees in the industrial sector, was informed by the Finance Minister that the government is considering the proposal seriously.
Finance Minister Sitharaman reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring financial security for pensioners.
Union Labor and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya also met with EPS-95 NAC representatives
and promised that necessary steps would be taken to address their demands.
Currently, EPS-95 NAC members are protesting for a monthly pension of Rs 7,500, as opposed to the average pension of Rs 1,450.
Issues Facing Pensioners
The committee highlights that 36 lakh pensioners receive less than Rs 1,000 per month. Additionally, they are demanding medical facilities for EPS members and their life partners.
EPS-95 NAC President Ashok Raut mentioned that despite advocating for an increase in the minimum pension for the past eight years, the government has not yet acted on their requests.
Raut emphasizes that, despite making substantial contributions to the pension fund, pensioners receive very little in return.
