Millions of retired workers in India are set to stage a three-day protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, starting on March 9, to demand a substantial increase in the minimum pension under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS-95). The demonstration, organized by the EPS-95 National Agitation Committee, will take place during the ongoing Budget Session of Parliament, signaling the pensioners’ urgency for reform.

The Scale of the Pension Crisis

The EPS-95 National Agitation Committee, led by National President Commander Ashok Raut, claims that nearly 81 lakh pensioners across the country rely on the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) for their livelihood. These pensioners, many of whom contributed to the fund for 30 to 35 years during their service, currently receive an average monthly pension of ₹1,171.

According to the committee, this amount is insufficient to cover even basic living expenses. Retirees from central and state government public sector undertakings, cooperative institutions, private sector establishments, mills, and media organizations have long been vocal about their financial struggles, particularly in the absence of adequate medical facilities.

A Decade of Advocacy

The National Agitation Committee (NAC) has been advocating for pension reforms for nearly nine years. The organization has consistently submitted representations to the Prime Minister, Union Ministers, and Members of Parliament across political parties, urging them to address the financial hardships faced by retired workers.

Commander Ashok Raut, in a statement, highlighted the long-standing efforts of the NAC to amplify the voices of pensioners. He stated, ‘For almost a decade, we have raised the voice of pensioners, and many retirees are struggling to survive on pensions that are insufficient to meet even basic daily expenses.’

Raut emphasized the need for the government and lawmakers to act on the long-pending issues of EPS-95 pensioners. ‘We are appealing to the government and Members of Parliament to urgently address these concerns,’ he added.

Impact on Pensioners’ Lives

The low pension amounts and lack of thorough medical coverage have pushed many elderly pensioners into financial hardship. Many are forced to depend on family support or take on odd jobs to make ends meet, despite their age and physical limitations.

The protest is expected to draw large delegations of pensioners from across the country, who will travel to Delhi to participate in the demonstration. This mass mobilization highlights the gravity of the situation and the widespread dissatisfaction among retired workers.

The timing of the protest, coinciding with the Budget Session of Parliament, is strategic, as it places the issue of pension reform squarely in the focus of lawmakers. The NAC is hopeful that the demonstration will compel the government to prioritize pension reforms in the upcoming budget.

With over 81 lakh pensioners affected, the demand for a minimum pension hike is not just a political issue but a pressing social and economic concern that affects millions of households across India. The outcome of this protest could set a precedent for future pension policies and the treatment of retired workers in the country.