Pensioners angry over non-increase in minimum pension; will protest at Jantar Mantar on 4th and 5th August

EPS-95 Pensioners to Protest at Jantar Mantar on August 4–5 Over Unmet Demands; Seek ₹7,500 Minimum Pension, DA, and Medical Facilities

New Delhi, 2nd August, 2025:

The EPS-95 National Agitation Committee (NAC) will hold a two-day protest at Jantar Mantar on 4th and 5th August, representing the demands of over 78 lakh pensioners across India. Anger is rising among pensioners over the government’s failure to act on long-standing assurances, especially the demand to raise the minimum pension.

Addressing a press conference at the Press Club of India, Commander Ashok Raut, National President of NAC, said:
“For 10 years, elderly pensioners have been protesting on the streets, but the government continues to ignore our survival needs. We are not asking for alms—we are demanding our rightful pension of ₹7,500 per month, along with dearness allowance and free medical care. Our patience has limits.”

He further criticized the EPFO for misinterpreting the Supreme Court’s judgment on higher pensions, saying:

“The Court delivered justice, yet lakhs of pensioners are being denied their legal dues due to arbitrary interpretations by EPFO. Despite several meetings with the Labour Minister and Finance Minister, nothing concrete has come out. We are being betrayed again and again.”

National General Secretary Virendra Singh Rajawat added:
“Our elders are dying in distress, some without food, some without medicine. We’re not asking for luxuries, just a pension that lets them live their final years with dignity. Every month, we lose members who die waiting for justice. This is no longer just about money, it’s about humanity.”

National Secretary of the Mahila Front, Mrs. Sarita Narkhede, also highlighted the gendered impact of pension neglect:

“It’s the elderly women, especially widows, who are suffering the most. Many are left to manage on their own, with little help and no medical support. A decent pension and basic healthcare shouldn’t be too much to ask. What we need now is action, not more assurances.”

Pensioners from 27 states are expected to participate in the demonstration, and MPs from various political parties are slated to express solidarity at Jantar Mantar.

Other senior NAC leaders present at the press conference included National Secretary Ramesh Bahuguna, National Secretary Rajiv Bhatnagar, National Treasurer B.S. Narkhede, Delhi State President B.S. Rana, and Maharashtra State Coordinator Sanjay Patil.

The NAC reiterated that this is a peaceful, non-political movement rooted in the democratic rights of senior citizens. The protest will continue until meaningful action is taken by the Central Government.