Kamal Ghorui
Pensioners covered under the Employees’ Pension Scheme 1995 (EPS-95) will hold a three-day protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi from March 9, pressing for an increase in the minimum monthly pension to Rs 7,500 from the current Rs 1,000, PTI reported.The protest has been called by the EPS 95 National Agitation Committee, led by its National President Commander Ashok Raut.According to a statement, around 8.1 million pensioners from central and state government public sector undertakings, cooperative and private sectors, mills and media establishments have been raising their demands for the past nine years.“Appeals have been made to the Prime Minister, all Union Ministers, and MPs from all parties. But the government is ignoring the cries of elderly pensioners and making hollow claims of “Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas”, the committee said.The pensioners said that despite contributing to the EPFO for 30 to 35 years of service, many retirees receive an average monthly pension of only Rs 1,171.However, the committee alleged that under various government schemes, pensions are being distributed without any contribution.It also claimed that due to very low pensions and the absence of free medical care, an average of 200-250 pensioners across the country are dying prematurely every day.“Enraged by the government’s inhumane behaviour and continued neglect of the interests of elderly pensioners, pensioners will hold a “do or die” protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on March 9, 10, and 11, at the start of the second phase of the Budget Session of Parliament,” the statement said.The protest is expected to see participation from pensioners across states, while Members of Parliament from various political parties are also likely to attend.Among the key demands raised by the pensioners are a minimum monthly pension of Rs 7,500 along with dearness allowance, and free medical care for pensioners and their spouses.They have also demanded that the benefits of higher pension be extended equally to all eligible pensioners, in line with the Supreme Court’s November 4, 2022 decision.Additionally, pensioners who were excluded from the EPS-95 scheme have sought a monthly pension of Rs 5,000, the statement added.
