New Delhi. For a long time, there has been a demand across the country to increase the minimum pension under EPS-95 from Rs 1,000 to Rs 7,500. On this issue, MP N.K. Responding to the pointed questions asked by Premachandran, the government has currently ruled out any immediate increase in the pension amount. The government clarified that any decision can be taken only after considering the sustainability and future liabilities of the pension fund.

Government’s argument: Why is the minimum pension not increasing?

Labor Minister told the House that EPS-95 is a “Defined Contribution-Defined Benefit” There is a plan. This means that benefits are given based on the amount of contribution deposited.

Mathematics of funding: In this fund, the employer contributes the employee’s salary. 8.33% gives share, while the central government 1.16% Contributes Rs. (on salary up to Rs. 15,000).

Budgetary Support: The government said it is already providing separate budgetary support to ensure a minimum pension of Rs 1,000 every month.

financial burden: The government believes that increasing the pension amount without additional funding could lead to a crisis in the long run of the pension fund.

Latest update on Higher Pension

Government shares important statistics for those choosing ‘higher pension at higher salary’ after Supreme Court’s historic November 2022 decision:

application status: By 31 January 2025 approximately 15.24 lakh Applications were received.

Processing: By 9 March 2026 99.2% More than 100 applications have been disposed of.

PPO issued: For those who have retired and have deposited their arrears. Pension Payment Order (PPO) Are being issued. Current employees will get PPO if they file a claim after the age of 58 years.

Deadline for Dues

There was confusion among pensioners whether they would get more time to deposit the dues. The government clarified:

Why are pensioners dissatisfied?

The Pensioners Association argues that in the current inflationary situation, an amount of Rs 1,000 per month is insufficient to live a “respectable life”. There is disappointment among the elderly across the country due to non-implementation of the recommendations of the High Empowered Monitoring Committee and postponing the demand for pension revision.