EPS-95 Panel Urges ₹7,500 Minimum Pension, DA, Free Healthcare, and Early Rollout of Higher Pension Scheme
New Delhi: EPS-95 pensioners will hold a nationwide protest at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, on August 5, 2026, demanding urgent pension reforms. The EPS-95 National Agitation Committee organised the protest after years of unsuccessful appeals and peaceful demonstrations.
The committee is demanding a minimum monthly pension of ₹7,500, Dearness Allowance (DA), free healthcare for pensioners and their spouses, and higher pension benefits as directed by the Supreme Court.
At a press conference at the Press Club of India, National President Commander Ashok Raut said nearly 8.1 million EPS-95 pensioners have sought these reforms for over a decade. He said the government’s inaction has forced pensioners to launch another nationwide agitation.
EPS-95 Pensioners Renew Demand for ₹7,500 Pension and Dearness Allowance
Commander Ashok Raut said the EPS-95 National Agitation Committee decided at its July 1, 2026, Kolkata meeting to launch a nationwide protest if the Centre failed to announce pension reforms within a month. He said many EPS-95 pensioners receive an average monthly pension of only ₹1,171. He added that the amount is insufficient because of rising inflation, healthcare expenses and the increasing cost of essential goods.
The committee said the ₹1,000 minimum pension is outdated and renewed its demand for a ₹7,500 minimum monthly pension. It said the increase is necessary to ensure financial security and a dignified life for retirees. The committee also demanded Dearness Allowance (DA) and a regular pension revision mechanism. It said inflation-linked revisions are essential to maintain the value of EPS-95 pensions over time.
Healthcare Becomes Key Demand in EPS-95 Protest
Commander Ashok Raut said rising medical expenses have become a major concern for EPS-95 pensioners and their spouses. He urged the government to provide free healthcare facilities to retired employees and their families to ensure financial security in old age.
Committee Pushes for Higher Pension Implementation
The committee said that although the Supreme Court delivered judgments in 2016 and 2022 supporting higher pension benefits, many eligible pensioners are yet to receive them. It called for immediate implementation of the court’s directives.
Repeated Appeals to Centre Yet to Yield Results
According to the committee, memoranda detailing its demands have been submitted to the Prime Minister, Union Ministers, MPs and senior officials over several years. It also said it has presented workable financial models to support pension enhancement under the EPS-95 scheme.
Recommendations on EPS-95 Pension Still Pending
The committee highlighted that both the Koshyari Committee and a Parliamentary Standing Committee have recommended pension reforms. Nevertheless, it said these recommendations remain pending and have not been translated into government policy.
Committee Warns of Stronger Nationwide Agitation
Seeking an early resolution, the committee said pension reforms are vital to protect the dignity and livelihood of millions of retired workers. It warned that the agitation would intensify if the government fails to act.
he committee plans to hold protests outside EPFO offices, launch civil disobedience campaigns, organise Jail Bharo movements and begin indefinite hunger strikes. It also said it would consider self-immolation only as a “last resort.”
National Office Bearers Present at Press Conference
The press conference featured National General Secretary Virendra Singh Rajawat, National Chief Coordinator Ramakant Nargund, and several senior leaders, including Ramesh Bahuguna, Rajeev Bhatnagar, B. S. Narkhede, B. S. Rana, Shobha Tai Aras, Sarita Tai Narkhede, and other committee representatives.
