Many workers in India who retired under the Employees’ Pension Scheme of 1995, or EPS-95, are waiting for good news. They want the government to raise the minimum monthly pension from Rs 1,000 to at least Rs 7,500. This scheme helps lakhs of people from private jobs get some money after they stop working. But as prices of food and medicine go up every day, this small amount is not enough for them to live well. Pensioners and their groups are making more noise now, saying the hike is needed soon in 2025. The government knows about these calls but has not taken any step yet.
Current Pension Facts
Right now, the minimum pension under EPS-95 is Rs 1,000 per month, and the government gives extra money from its budget to make sure everyone gets at least that. But data from March 2025 shows a sad picture. Almost half of the pensioners get less than Rs 1,500 each month, and only a tiny number, about 0.65 percent, get more than Rs 6,000. This means most old people struggle to pay for basic needs like rent or doctor visits. Some news in July 2025 talked about a possible jump to Rs 7,500, which would be a big 650 percent rise. But later, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation said some stories about the hike starting in May were fake.
Demands from Workers and Groups
Pensioners are not sitting quiet. Groups like trade unions and retiree clubs are holding meetings and writing letters to leaders. They say the scheme started in 1995, and since then, life has become much costlier, but the pension stayed low. One big demand is to link the pension with rising prices, so it goes up every year. In April 2025, a group in Parliament asked the labour ministry to check the whole scheme by the end of 2025 and raise the minimum amount. Workers point out that bosses already put money into the fund, so the government can use that to give more. They also want clear rules on higher pension choices after a court order.
Government’s Side of the Story
The government says it is thinking about the idea. In July 2025, during talks in Parliament, they told that no final call has been made on raising the pension to Rs 7,500. They are looking at how much money it will cost and if the fund can handle it. The labour ministry is talking to experts and groups about this. But pensioners feel let down because these talks have been going on for years without any change. Some videos and reports show that the idea is under review, but nothing is sure yet. The government also helps with Rs 1,000 minimum by giving budget money, but that is not enough for everyone.
What Might Happen in 2025
If the hike comes, it could help over 70 lakh pensioners live better. A small table below shows the key numbers:
| Item | Current Amount | Demanded Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Pension | Rs 1,000 | Rs 7,500 |
| Pensioners Affected | About 70 lakh | About 70 lakh |
| Possible Increase | – | 650% |
This change might come around festival time or in the next budget. But if the government says no, more protests could happen. Pensioners hope for a quick yes to make their old age easier.
Final Thoughts
The EPS-95 pension issue shows how important it is for the government to listen to common people. With demands getting stronger every day, 2025 could be the year for a big change. But until the leaders decide, many families will keep facing hard times. Everyone is watching what happens next in Delhi.