Indian government maintains ₹1,000 minimum EPS-95 pension

The Indian government has addressed inquiries in the Lok Sabha regarding the demand to increase the minimum monthly pension under the Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS-95) from ₹1,000 to ₹7,500.

In a written response to MP Ramveer Singh Bidhuri, Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaje stated that the government currently provides a minimum pension of ₹1,000 per month to all eligible pensioners. To maintain this amount, the central government provides special budgetary assistance in addition to the standard 1.16% contribution.

The government's response did not include any announcement or timeline for implementing the requested ₹7,500 minimum pension. Officials noted that the scheme relies on employer contributions (8.33% of salary) and central government contributions, subject to a monthly salary cap of ₹15,000. The ministry emphasized its commitment to social security while also prioritizing the long-term sustainability of the pension fund and future liabilities.

This parliamentary update follows nationwide protests led by the EPS-95 National Agitation Committee, where pensioners argued that the current ₹1,000 monthly amount is insufficient to meet rising costs of living and medical expenses.