Archive · 23 Aug 2025
Millions of Indian Retirees Receive Meagre Pensions
Many retirees in India get very small pensions, less than Rs 1,500 each month, according to new data.
This is because of the Employees’ Pension Scheme 1995 (EPS-95).
About half of the 8.15 million people who get this pension receive this low amount.
The government says the minimum pension is Rs 1,000.
This low amount makes it difficult for retired people to pay for their needs.
Trade unions want the pension increased to Rs 9,000 to help retirees.
Nearly half of EPS-95 retirees receive less than Rs 1,500 monthly.
As of March 2025, 8.15 million were enrolled under EPS-95.
The minimum pension under EPS-95 is Rs 1,000 per month.
Trade unions demand a minimum pension of Rs 9,000.
Total pension disbursals under EPS-95 rose to Rs 23,028 crore in 2023-24.
- Who
- Pensioners under EPS-95 and the EPFO.
- What
- Pensioners under EPS-95 are receiving very low monthly pensions.
- When
- Data was presented as of March 31, 2025, and for the fiscal year 2023-24.
- Where
- India
- Why
- Meagre pensions fail to provide financial security for retirees.
Trade Unions
Government
Pension Adequacy
Trade Unions
Increase the minimum monthly pension to Rs 9,000.
Government
Maintain the current pension system.
- Total Pensioners (EPS-95)
- 8.15 million (as of March 2025)
- Pensioners under Rs 1,500
- 4.915 million (over 50%)
- Pensioners under Rs 4,000
- 7.87 million (96%)
- Minimum Pension
- Rs 1,000 per month
- Total Pension Disbursals (2023-24)
- Rs 23,028 crore
- Interest Income (2022-23)
- Rs 52,171 crore
- Interest Income (2023-24)
- Rs 58,669 crore