National Agitation Committee’s Warning of Serious Consequences if Issues Remain Unresolved
Pensioners from Across the Country to Join the Protest at Jantar Mantar
New Delhi, July 29, 2024:
The EPS-95 National Agitation Committee, outraged by the government’s failure to address their concerns, has planned a decisive protest at Jantar Mantar on July 31. For the past eight years, 7.8 million pensioners nationwide have been demanding an increase in the minimum pension, but the government has not addressed their demands. Currently, pensioners receive an average monthly pension of only ₹1450, with 3.6 million pensioners surviving on less than ₹1000 per month. Commander Ashok Raut said, “We will now support those political parties that come forward to solve our problems.” He added, “Our struggle will continue until our demands are met.”
EPS-95 National Agitation Committee President Commander Ashok Raut, during a press conference in Delhi, highlighted that despite long-term contributions to the regular pension fund, pensioners receive very low pensions. He accused the EPFO of hoarding pensioners’ funds and making excuses about fund shortages whenever an increase is requested. The current pension amount makes it difficult for an elderly couple to survive. Commander Ashok Raut remarked that the government expects the youth to just stay home and live off support.
Commander Ashok Raut also mentioned that despite meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi twice and discussions with the Finance Minister, Labour Minister, and other officials, no concrete action has been taken. This has increased the frustration among pensioners. He urged all parties to cooperate in fulfilling the pensioners’ demands so that the elderly can live with dignity in their final years. He warned that if their issues are not resolved before the upcoming assembly elections in Maharashtra and other states, there will be serious consequences. Notably, the committee has the support of 1.3 million retired families and 15 million working families in Maharashtra, which could influence the election results.
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Virendra Singh said, “Many MPs in both houses are daily raising the demand to increase EPS-95 pensions and asking questions, but the Labour Ministry’s evasive responses are misleading the parliament. All parties, whether ruling or opposition, have a significant responsibility to ensure that the minimum pension of ₹7500 per month, along with dearness allowance and free medical care, is provided to pensioners on a humanitarian basis as per the Supreme Court’s decision, without any discrimination, so that the elderly can live with dignity in their remaining years.”
National Secretary Ramesh Bahuguna stated, “The committee’s national executive meeting will be held in Delhi on July 29 and 30 to discuss the pensioners’ demands. If these demands are not met, a protest will be held at Jantar Mantar on July 31 and August 1, with participation from pensioners across the country.”