NEW DELHI: In a significant move, the EPS-95 National Agitation Committee has announced that EPS-95 pensioners from across the nation, including the national capital, will observe a hunger strike starting tomorrow. Their primary demand is an increase in the minimum monthly pension to Rs 7,500.
Under the current scheme managed by the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), pensioners enrolled in the Employees' Pension Scheme 1995 (EPS-95) receive a meager minimum monthly pension of Rs 1,000, which was introduced back in September 2014.
In a statement, the EPS-95 National Struggle Committee, representing retired employees from various sectors, expressed grave concern over the dire circumstances faced by pensioners. They emphasized that the current pension amounts are insufficient, leading to distressing living conditions and a loss of dignity within their families and society.
To voice their demands, Commander Ashok Raut, the National President of the National Agitation Committee, along with members of the Central Executive Committee, will initiate a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar on July 20th, 2023. The pensioners' cause will also be supported by hunger strikes taking place simultaneously in prominent locations across the country.
Despite the government's implementation of multiple pension schemes for public welfare, EPS-95 subscribers receive only a nominal pension after contributing to the pension fund throughout their service. The current fixed amount of Rs 1,170 fails to meet the basic needs and sustenance of elderly pensioners.
Over the past seven years, the EPS-95 National Agitation Committee has organized numerous protests at different levels, including demonstrations in Delhi, to raise awareness of the pensioners' plight. Notably, a continuous chain hunger strike has been ongoing since December 24, 2018, in front of the collector's office in Buldhana, Maharashtra, which serves as the headquarters of the National Agitation Committee.
The Committee has submitted memorandums to all members of Parliament, both from the ruling and opposition parties, in an effort to gain support. Despite two meetings with the Prime Minister and assurances from the government, the demands of EPS-95 pensioners have yet to be approved, with the EPFO allegedly playing a negative role.
Additionally, the Committee has met with the Finance Minister to address their concerns. Their demands include an increase in the minimum monthly pension to Rs 7,500, along with a cost-of-living allowance. They propose that this amount could be allocated from the EPFO's pension fund or through a provision in the budget. This demand aligns with the recommendation of the Koshyari Committee, which considers the increased cost of living over the past decade.
The Committee also urges the government to provide the option of a higher pension based on the actual salary, without discrimination, to all EPS95 pensioners, irrespective of whether they retired before or after September 1, 2014. They cite the correct interpretation of the Supreme Court's decisions on October 4, 2016, and November 4, 2022, in support of their demand. Furthermore, they request the adjustment of arrears to account for the difference between the previously received amount and the higher pension.
In addition to these demands, the Committee seeks the extension of free medical facilities to all EPS-95 pensioners and their spouses. The Parliamentary Standing Committee has already heard the pensioners' side, along with factual information, on April 20th. It is expected that the committee's report will be presented during the monsoon session, and the government is urged to fulfill the pensioners' just demands.
The statement concludes with a warning that if the minimum pension is not increased during this monsoon session, nationwide protests will ensue, and the present government will be held responsible for the consequences.
Gehlot-led cabinet meeting today ahead of Assembly Session on July 14