The pensioners’ organization EPS-95 National Movement Committee (NAC) said on Friday that the government has assured to consider the demand for more pension. About 78 lakh pensioners of the EPS-95 scheme are demanding to increase the minimum monthly pension to Rs 7,500. The pensioners’ body said that Union Labor and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya met their representatives. According to the news of Bhasha, the body said that during this time the Labor Minister assured that the government would take necessary steps to meet their demand.
Only getting an average monthly pension of Rs 1,450
According to the news, the meeting with the representatives took place after a protest organized by the members of EPS-95 NAC in the national capital on Wednesday. Members from different places of the country protested against the government here and demanded more pension instead of the average monthly pension of only Rs 1,450. The body said that about 36 lakh pensioners are getting pension of less than Rs 1,000 per month.
Elderly couples also find it difficult to survive
Committee chairman Ashok Raut said that Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has assured us that the government is serious about finding a solution to our problems. He said that the Prime Minister is also committed to solving our problems. Despite making long-term contributions to the regular pension fund, pensioners get very little pension. The existing pension amount also makes it difficult for elderly couples to survive.
Demand to increase Rs 7,500 per month
Raut said that the EPS-95 NAC has demanded to increase the minimum pension to Rs 7,500 per month, which should include dearness allowance and free health facilities for the pensioner’s spouse. Raut further said that many MPs of Congress and other opposition parties also met the members of the organization and assured support in meeting the demand for more pension.
