EPS-95 Committee Demands ₹7,500 Minimum Pension, DA, Free Healthcare, and Immediate Implementation of Higher Pension
New Delhi: Thousands of EPS-95 pensioners from across the country will assemble at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, on August 5, 2026, to stage a nationwide protest demanding long-pending pension reforms. Organised by the EPS-95 National Agitation Committee, the demonstration aims to press the government to address issues that pensioners say have remained unresolved despite years of memorandums, peaceful protests, and repeated representations.
The committee is demanding a minimum monthly pension of ₹7,500, Dearness Allowance (DA), free healthcare for pensioners and their spouses, and implementation of the higher pension benefits in line with Supreme Court rulings.
Speaking at a press conference at the Press Club of India, National President Commander Ashok Raut said nearly 8.1 million EPS-95 pensioners have been seeking these reforms for more than a decade. He added that despite multiple assurances from the Centre, no decisive policy action has been taken, prompting pensioners to intensify their nationwide agitation.
Committee Says ₹1,171 Average EPS-95 Pension Is No Longer Sustainable
Commander Ashok Raut said the EPS-95 National Agitation Committee warned the government during its National Executive Committee meeting in Kolkata on July 1, 2026. The committee asked the Centre to announce pension reforms within one month. As the government made no policy announcement, the committee confirmed its nationwide protest at Jantar Mantar on August 5.
Raut said many EPS-95 pensioners receive an average monthly pension of only ₹1,171. He said this amount is too low to meet daily expenses. Rising inflation, higher healthcare costs and increasing prices of essential goods have made life difficult for retirees. He added that the ₹1,000 minimum pension fixed years ago no longer matches today’s cost of living.
The committee said employees spent decades contributing to India’s economic growth. Therefore, they deserve a dignified retirement and adequate financial security. It reiterated its demand for a minimum monthly pension of ₹7,500. The committee said the demand seeks to ensure basic social security, not special benefits.
The committee also noted that EPS-95 pensions are not linked to Dearness Allowance (DA) or any regular revision mechanism. It said indexing pensions to inflation through DA would help safeguard retirees’ purchasing power over time..
Demand for Free Healthcare for EPS-95 Pensioners
Commander Ashok Raut said many EPS-95 pensioners and their spouses are finding it increasingly difficult to meet rising medical expenses due to the lack of adequate health coverage. The committee urged the Central Government to introduce free healthcare facilities for pensioners and their families, describing it as a vital component of social security.
Committee Seeks Implementation of Supreme Court’s Higher Pension Orders
The committee alleged that despite the Supreme Court judgments of October 4, 2016, and November 4, 2022, many eligible retirees have not received the benefits of the higher pension. It called on the government and the EPFO to ensure prompt implementation of the court’s directions.
Memoranda Submitted to Government on Pension Reforms
The committee said it has repeatedly submitted memoranda to the Prime Minister, Union Finance Minister, Union Labour and Employment Minister, Members of Parliament, and senior government officials. It also presented financially viable proposals to increase EPS-95 pensions, asserting that its demands are practical, sustainable, and economically feasible.
Committee Cites Koshyari Panel and Parliamentary Recommendations
The committee pointed out that both the Koshyari Committee and a Parliamentary Standing Committee had recommended improvements in EPS-95 pensions. However, it expressed disappointment that these recommendations have not yet resulted in concrete policy decisions.
EPS-95 Protest May Intensify if Demands Remain Unmet
Appealing for an early resolution, the committee said the issue affects the livelihood and dignity of millions of retired workers and their families. It urged the Centre to act without further delay.
If the demands remain ignored, the agitation will intensify. Planned actions include protests outside EPFO offices, civil disobedience campaigns, Jail Bharo movements, and indefinite hunger strikes.
During the Kolkata meeting, the committee approved these measures. It warned that members would consider self-immolation only as a “last resort” if the government continues to ignore their demands.
Senior Committee Leaders Attend Press Conference
The press conference was also addressed by National General Secretary Virendra Singh Rajawat and National Chief Coordinator Ramakant Nargund. Other attendees included National Secretary Ramesh Bahuguna, National Media In-charge Rajeev Bhatnagar, National Treasurer B. S. Narkhede, Delhi State President B. S. Rana, Women’s Wing National President Shobha Tai Aras, National Secretary Sarita Tai Narkhede, along with several senior office bearers.
