Archive · 7 Sep 2025
Calls for Higher Minimum Pension for EPF Scheme Recipients
Many senior citizens in India who receive pensions from the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) 1995 get very little money each month.
The author argues that this is not enough for them to live on and they deserve more because they contributed to the pension fund.
The author points out that the government and other employee groups get much higher pension benefits.
The author claims the fund has enough money and the government has a responsibility to provide adequate social security for retirees.
They suggest the government should increase the minimum pension, maybe even to half of their last salary.
They also propose the creation of a commission to review the pension system.
The article calls for increasing the minimum pension for EPF pensioners.
Current minimum pension of Rs. 1,000 is deemed insufficient for basic needs.
The author argues the pension fund has sufficient funds and generates significant interest.
The author points out that many pensioners receive less than Rs 5,000 per month.
The author suggests forming a commission to review and restructure the pension system.
- Who
- Development economist and commentator on economic and social affairs
- What
- Advocating for a higher minimum pension for recipients of the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) 1995.
- When
- The article was written recently
- Where
- Not explicitly stated
- Why
- To ensure social security and an adequate standard of living for senior citizens who are EPF pensioners.
Advocates for Pension Increase
Government View (Implied)
Fund Viability
Advocates for Pension Increase
The fund has enough money, and increasing pensions is financially feasible.
Government View (Implied)
The government may claim financial constraints, actuarial deficits, and scheme non-viability
Government Responsibility
Advocates for Pension Increase
The government has a social responsibility to protect senior citizens.
Government View (Implied)
The government is not meeting its responsibility
- EPF Pensioners Receiving < Rs 5,000/month
- Over 78 lakh
- EPF Pensioners Receiving < Rs 2,000/month
- 58 lakh
- Total Corpus in Employees' Pension Scheme (2025)
- Rs. 9,92,689.56 crore
- Pension Paid (2023-24)
- Rs 23,027.93 crore
- Interest Earned on Corpus (2023-24)
- Rs 58,668.73 crore
- Accretion to the pension fund (last year)
- Rs 48,370.24 crore
