Pensioners under the Employees' Pension Scheme 1995 (EPS-95) are preparing to protest from March 9 to 11, 2026, at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, seeking a minimum monthly pension increase to ₹7,500 from the current ₹1,000, as per PTI report.
The demonstration aims to raise awareness about the financial hardships faced by aging pensioners, many of whom report inadequate pensions and lack of medical care.
The EPS-95 pensioners, led by the National Agitation Committee, have been vocal about their struggles for several years. Their main demands include a minimum pension of ₹7,500 per month with dearness allowance and free medical care for pensioners and their spouses.
This movement is expected to include participation from 81 lakh pensioners from various sectors, including governmental, private, and media establishments.
According to the pensioners, many are forced to live with an average monthly pension of ₹1,171 despite contributing to the EPFO for 30 to 35 years. The lack of free medical care exacerbates their plight, leading to numerous premature deaths among retirees.
The rally at Jantar Mantar aims to draw attention to these issues as the Budget Session of Parliament resumes.
Organisers have sought the attention of the Prime Minister, Union Ministers, and Members of Parliament across all political parties. However, they claim their appeals have so far been met with neglect.
The pensioners' group contends that the government's moves to extend pensions under other schemes without contributions undermine their contributions and the promises supposedly guaranteed to them.
Another significant issue raised by the pensioners is the exclusion of certain individuals from the EPS-95 scheme.
They argue that those left out should receive a pension of ₹5,000 per month, aligning with a Supreme Court judgment dated November 4, 2022, which supports equal distribution of higher pensions.
Read More: 8th Pay Commission Update: Employees and Pensioners Invited to Submit Representations by April 30!
The pension group cites alarming statistics, suggesting that 200 to 250 pensioners across the country die prematurely each day due to insufficient pensions and medical challenges. These figures underline the severity of their circumstances and add urgency to their demands.
The planned protest by EPS-95 pensioners reflects their continuing struggle for better financial support. The demand for a ₹7,500 minimum pension seeks to mitigate the economic and health-related challenges faced by many retirees, underscoring the need for government intervention.
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Published on: Mar 9, 2026, 9:08 AM IST
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