EPS-95 Pensioners Protest on March 9-11 in Delhi: Retirees Seek Rs 7,500 Minimum Pension and Medical Benefits

Thousands of pensioners covered under the Employees' Pension Scheme 1995 (EPS-95) are set to stage a three-day sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar starting March 9, demanding a significant increase in the minimum monthly pension. Protest organisers are seeking to raise the pension floor to Rs 7,500 per month along with dearness allowance, compared with the current minimum pension of Rs 1,000.

EPS Pensioners Protest on 9 March 2026: Know Demands

As per PTI report, the agitation is being organised by the EPS 95 National Agitation Committee, led by its National President Commander Ashok Raut. According to the committee, nearly 8.1 million pensioners from central and state public sector undertakings, cooperative organisations, private companies, mills and media establishments have supported the movement over the past nine years.

EPS-95 Pensioners Seek Higher Minimum Pension and Medical Benefits

The committee argues that many retirees contributed to the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) for 30 to 35 years, yet receive very small pensions after retirement. Organisers claim that the average pension currently paid under EPS-95 is around Rs 1,171 per month, while the officially notified minimum pension stands at Rs 1,000.

They point out that some government pension schemes provide benefits without requiring contributions from beneficiaries, while EPS-95 members who contributed for decades receive limited support after retirement.

Current EPS-95 Pension Details

Current minimum EPS-95 pension amount: Rs 1,000
Average EPS-95 pension paid: Rs 1,171
Demanded minimum pension: Rs 7,500 + dearness allowance
Demand for excluded workers: Rs 5,000

According to the EPS 95 National Agitation Committee, a major concern among pensioners is the lack of medical benefits for retired workers and their spouses. Organisers allege that many elderly pensioners struggle to afford routine medical treatment due to low pensions and rising healthcare costs.

The committee claims that the combination of limited pension income and healthcare expenses has placed severe financial pressure on retirees. It also alleged that around 200 to 250 pensioners die prematurely every day across India due to financial and health-related difficulties.

In a statement, the committee said it has repeatedly submitted appeals to Narendra Modi, Union ministers and Members of Parliament across political parties. However, it claimed that pensioners' concerns have not been adequately addressed despite years of representations.

EPS Pensioners' Three-Day Protest

The agitation has been deliberately scheduled to coincide with the second phase of the Budget Session of Parliament, which begins on March 9. The sit-in protest will continue until March 11, with organisers describing it as a decisive moment in the long-running campaign.

According to the committee, pensioners are planning a "do-or-die protest" to press their demands and draw attention to the challenges faced by elderly retirees across the country.

Key Demands Raised by EPS-95 Pensioners

The main charter of demands placed by EPS-95 pensioners includes:

• Minimum pension of Rs 7,500 per month plus dearness allowance
• Free medical facilities for pensioners and their spouses
• Implementation of the Supreme Court ruling on EPS higher pension, ensuring equal access to higher pension benefits for all eligible members
• At least Rs 5,000 monthly pension for workers excluded from the EPS-95 scheme.

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