Pensioners Demand Hike: A Rally for Justice at Jantar Mantar

Pensioners under the EPS-95 plan will protest at Jantar Mantar from March 9, demanding a minimum monthly pension hike to Rs 7,500. Led by Commander Ashok Raut, the EPS 95 National Agitation Committee highlights government neglect. The protest aims for pension and healthcare improvements.

Pensioners under the Employees' Pension Scheme 1995 (EPS-95) are set to begin a three-day protest at Jantar Mantar on March 9. Their primary demand is a minimum monthly pension increase to Rs 7,500 from the existing Rs 1,000.

Around 8.1 million pensioners, from various sectors including central and state governments, will join the protest under the banner of the EPS 95 National Agitation Committee. The initiative is led by National President Commander Ashok Raut, who emphasizes the plight of pensioners receiving an average monthly payout of Rs 1,171 despite contributing for decades.

The committee critiques the government for ignoring appeals and the urgent need for better pensions and healthcare. As part of the protest, set at the start of the second phase of the Budget Session of Parliament, pensioners demand improved pension benefits and equitable distribution as per a Supreme Court decision.