Archive · 25 Jul 2026
Government Clarifies No Minimum Pension Scheme Proposal
The government has clarified that there is no proposal to introduce a minimum pension scheme for all citizens.
This clarification was provided by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Shobha Karandlaje, in response to a question in the Rajya Sabha.
Instead, the government highlighted the provisions of the Code on Social Security, 2020, which aims to extend social security benefits to workers in the unorganised sector, including gig and platform workers.
The government also explained the operations of the Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS), 2026, and clarified that there is no deadline for filing claims under this scheme.
Additionally, it was disclosed that ₹9,330.56 crore was lying in inoperative Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) accounts as of March 31, 2026.
The government has no proposal to introduce a minimum pension scheme for all citizens.
Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaje clarified this in the Rajya Sabha.
The government highlighted the Code on Social Security, 2020, which aims to extend social security benefits to unorganised sector workers.
The Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS), 2026, operates as a pooled pension fund with no deadline for filing claims.
₹9,330.56 crore was in inoperative EPF accounts as of March 31, 2026.
- Who
- Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaje
- What
- Clarification on the absence of a minimum pension scheme proposal
- When
- Not specified
- Where
- Rajya Sabha
- Why
- In response to a question raised by Rajya Sabha MP R. Girirajan
Advocates for Universal Pension
Government's Current Social Security Framework
Universal Pension Scheme
Advocates for Universal Pension
Advocates argue for a universal minimum pension scheme to support all elderly citizens, including the economically vulnerable.
Government's Current Social Security Framework
The government focuses on expanding social security coverage through the existing legislative framework, such as the Code on Social Security, 2020.
- Minister of State for Labour and Employment
- Shobha Karandlaje
- Rajya Sabha MP
- R. Girirajan
- Code on Social Security
- 2020
- Employees' Pension Scheme
- 2026
- Inoperative EPF Accounts
- ₹9,330.56 crore as of March 31, 2026