For years, retired workers under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) have been waiting for a bigger pension. Right now, they get just Rs 1,000 per month, which barely covers anything in today’s world. But things might finally be changing. There’s a new hope that the minimum pension could go up to Rs 7,500—and this time, the government seems to be listening.

A Big Step After 30 Years

EPS-95, the pension scheme that began in 1995, was built to give workers a small but steady monthly income after they retire. But the last update to the minimum pension was way back in 2014, when it was set at Rs 1,000. Since then, prices have gone up, bills have doubled, but the pension has stayed stuck.

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Now, for the first time in 30 years, the government has agreed to take a serious look at the scheme. A third-party review has been ordered, which means outside experts will study the whole thing and suggest changes. The Ministry of Labor has already sent out a Request for Proposal (RFP), and the review process is underway. The goal is to complete the review by the end of 2025.

What Retired Employees Are Asking For

The National Committee of Retired Employees, which represents thousands of EPS pensioners, has been pushing hard for this change. Their main demand? Increase the base pension to Rs 7,500 and provide Dearness Allowance (DA) benefits as well. They say it’s the only way pensioners can cope with the rising cost of living.

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Before the 2024–25 Budget, these retirees even met with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to press their case. After the meeting, their representatives said the Finance Minister had promised to think over their demands. Interestingly, a proposal to raise the pension to Rs 2,000 was sent to the Finance Ministry back in 2020—but it never got approved. Still, that same proposal came up again during the latest budget discussions.

What’s Likely to Happen Next

The Parliamentary Standing Committee, led by BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai, believes the current pension just isn’t enough anymore. They’re urging the Labor Ministry to finish the review on time and take action. If the review supports what pensioners are asking for, the government might agree to raise the pension to Rs 7,500.

For now, all eyes are on the review. Pensioners are hopeful. And after decades of waiting, they might finally get the dignity—and support—they deserve in their retirement years.