A parliamentary panel on Tuesday recommended an urgent, comprehensive review of the Rs 1,000 minimum monthly pension under the Employees’ Pension Scheme, 1995, to raise it to a more realistic and dignified level. This assumes significance in view of pensioners' demand to raise the pension to Rs 7,500 per month as Rs 1,000 is not sufficient to make ends meet.
Pensioners under the Employees’ Pension Scheme 1995 (EPS-95) run by the retirement fund body EPFO had also staged a three-day protest at Jantar Mantar from March 9, for increasing the minimum monthly pension to Rs 7,500.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour, Textiles and Skill Development, in its 15th Report on “Demands for Grants (2026-27)” of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, noted that the minimum pension of Rs 1,000 per month under the Employees' Pension Scheme, 1995 has remained unchanged for a considerable period of time despite the rising cost of living.
During the course of evidence, the committee observed that numerous representations have been received from pensioners seeking an upward revision of the minimum pension, particularly considering the financial hardships faced by elderly and economically vulnerable beneficiaries.
The committee further take note of the submission of the Ministry of Labour and Employment that the Government of India is already extending financial support towards the scheme, including the contribution of 1.16 per cent for currently serving members of the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation and the budgetary support provided for ensuring the minimum pension of Rs. 1,000 per month.
However, the committee stated that it is of the considered view that the existing minimum pension amount is inadequate to meet even the basic needs of pensioners, particularly in the present economic scenario marked by inflation and rising health care and living expenses.
The committee, therefore, recommend that the ministry undertake an urgent and comprehensive review of the minimum pension under the Employees’ Pension Scheme, 1995 with a view to enhancing it to a more realistic and dignified level.
The committee further recommend that the Ministry explore the possibility of increasing budgetary support to the scheme so as to ensure that pensioners receive a reasonable minimum pension commensurate with present-day living costs, thereby providing greater social security and financial stability to lakhs of retired workers covered under the scheme.
While appreciating and welcoming the implementation of the Labour Codes, the Committee have recommended the constitution of a Permanent Co-ordination and Interaction Board consisting of representatives of both Centre and States on priority. The board should also look into the implementation of various schemes of the ministry.
While observing that many contractual labourers perform duties similar to regular workers but often face delays in receiving relief and compensation after workplace accidents, the committee have recommended that timely coverage of such workers under social security schemes like Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) and Employees’ Provident Fund (PF) be ensured.
The committee have also urged the Union and state governments to establish mechanisms to monitor compliance and ensure prompt disbursement of compensation. While noting that gig workers play a vital role in urban supply chains but many remain outside formal labour registration and social security frameworks, the committee has recommended registration of gig workers by aggregators on the e-Shram Portal with registration valid for at least one year and continued access to social security benefits such as insurance and accident coverage be made mandatory.
Also read: EPFO fixes 8.25 pc interest rate for 3rd year in a row
Follow us
