EPS-95 Pensioners Stage Protest at Jantar Mantar, Seek ₹7,500 Minimum Monthly Pension

Pensioners under the Employees’ Pension Scheme 1995 (EPS-95) have started a three-day protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi from March 9 to March 11, 2026. The demonstrators are demanding that the government raise the minimum monthly pension to ₹7,500, along with dearness allowance and free medical facilities for pensioners and their spouses. The protest, organised by the EPS-95 National Agitation Committee, represents the concerns of nearly 81 lakh pensioners who say the current pension amount—averaging around ₹1,171 per month—is insufficient to meet basic living and healthcare expenses.

Pensioners Gather at Jantar Mantar for Three-Day Demonstration

Thousands of pensioners covered under the Employees’ Pension Scheme 1995 (EPS-95) have launched a three-day protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, seeking major reforms to the pension system.

The demonstration, scheduled from March 9 to March 11, 2026, is aimed at drawing attention to the financial hardships faced by retired workers who depend on the scheme for post-retirement income.

Protest organisers argue that the current minimum pension of ₹1,000 per month is far too low to support retirees in today’s economic conditions.

Major Demands Raised by Pensioners

The protest has been organised by the EPS-95 National Agitation Committee, a group that has long advocated for improved pension benefits.

The key demands raised by the pensioners include:

• Increasing the minimum monthly pension to ₹7,500
• Linking the pension with dearness allowance (DA) to account for inflation
• Providing free medical treatment for pensioners and their spouses

Organisers say these demands represent the interests of around 81 lakh pensioners across India who previously worked in sectors such as government services, private companies, and media organisations.

Concerns Over Low Pension Benefits

According to pensioners’ representatives, many retirees who contributed to the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) for more than three decades are receiving very small monthly pensions.

They claim the average pension payout is around ₹1,171 per month, which makes it difficult for pensioners to cover basic expenses such as healthcare, housing, and everyday living costs.

The protest has been timed to coincide with the ongoing Budget Session of Parliament, as organisers hope to draw the attention of lawmakers and policymakers to the issue.

Appeals to Government Leaders

Leaders of the pensioners’ group say they have repeatedly approached senior government officials, including the Prime Minister, Union Ministers, and Members of Parliament, requesting reforms to the EPS-95 pension system.

However, they claim that despite years of petitions and representations, the demands have not yet resulted in substantial policy changes.

Pensioners also argue that expanding welfare schemes for individuals who did not contribute to the pension system reduces the relative benefits available to long-term contributors.

Demand for Support to Those Excluded from the Scheme

Another issue highlighted during the protest concerns individuals who were excluded from the EPS-95 pension framework.

The pensioners’ association is seeking a minimum pension of ₹5,000 per month for such individuals.

They cite the Supreme Court judgment in the EPFO vs Sunil Kumar B & Others case (November 4, 2022), which addressed matters related to eligibility for higher pensions under the scheme.

Financial Hardship Among Retirees

The pensioners’ organisation has also highlighted the broader consequences of financial insecurity among retirees.

According to estimates cited by the group, between 200 and 250 pensioners across India die prematurely each day, partly due to financial hardship and limited access to healthcare services.

These concerns have strengthened calls for policy reforms aimed at ensuring adequate financial and medical support for retired workers covered under the EPS-95 system.

Summary

Pensioners under the Employees’ Pension Scheme 1995 have begun a three-day protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi from March 9 to 11, 2026. The protest, organised by the EPS-95 National Agitation Committee, seeks an increase in the minimum monthly pension to ₹7,500 along with dearness allowance and free medical facilities. The group says the current pension, averaging around ₹1,171 per month, is insufficient for retirees who contributed to the EPFO for decades. Pensioners are also demanding a ₹5,000 pension for individuals excluded from the scheme, citing the Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling on higher pension eligibility.

Disclaimer

The information in this article is based on publicly available reports and statements from organisations involved in the protest. The content is intended for informational purposes only. The publication does not independently verify all claims made by third-party groups or individuals mentioned in these developments.