Thousands of EPS-95 pensioners gather at Jantar Mantar from March 9 to March 11 under NAC President Ashok Raut, demanding a minimum monthly pension of ₹7,500, free medical care and implementation of higher pension provisions.

New Delhi, March 9, 2026:

Thousands of pensioners under the banner of the EPS-95 National Agitation Committee (NAC) began a three-day protest at Jantar Mantar on Monday, demanding long-pending reforms in the Employees’ Pension Scheme-1995 (EPS-95). The agitation is being led by Ashok Raut, National President of the committee, along with representatives of pensioners from across the country.

At the protest site, elderly pensioners from several states gathered in the national capital, many travelling long distances despite their age and health conditions, to press for immediate action on key demands related to pension enhancement, medical facilities and implementation of higher pension provisions.

Several participants said they had contributed to the pension scheme throughout their working lives with the hope of securing a dignified retirement. However, many now find themselves struggling to meet basic living expenses in their later years.

Addressing the gathering, Ashok Raut said the protest aims to secure basic rights and dignity for retired workers who have been facing financial hardship for years.

He said, “We have gathered at Jantar Mantar not merely to submit requests but to assert our rightful demands. Pensioners from different parts of the country have joined this three-day protest to highlight the issues faced by EPS-95 pensioners.

e said that their four key demands include fixing the minimum monthly pension at ₹7,500 and providing free medical facilities to both husband and wife after the age of 58 and higher pension benefits be provided in accordance with the Supreme Court’s decisions, without any discrimination. Additionally, he said that those who are currently excluded from the scheme should be included in the EPS-95 framework or provided with a minimum pension of ₹5,000.”

Highlighting the financial hardships faced by pensioners, he said that despite contributing to the pension scheme for decades, more than 36 lakh pensioners are currently receiving less than ₹1,000 per month.

“For many elderly pensioners, this amount is not even sufficient to cover basic medicines or daily necessities. Many senior citizens are struggling to maintain a dignified life after retirement and are now compelled to take to the streets to demand justice. We urge the government to take these concerns seriously and address our demands without further delay,” he said.

Ashok Raut also mentioned that he recently held discussions with the Union Labour Minister regarding the issue.

“We recently met the Labour Minister, who assured us that the government is working on our concerns and advised us not to protest. However, pensioners have been waiting for nearly a decade for concrete action. Therefore, we have decided to continue our agitation until our demands are addressed and meaningful steps are taken,” he added.

Supporting the protest, NAC leaders said the movement has been ongoing for nearly a decade, seeking justice for pensioners under the EPS-95 scheme. They emphasised the need for the implementation of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation provisions and the enforcement of the Supreme Court’s decision on higher pension.

They also stressed the urgent need for accessible healthcare support for retired workers and the inclusion of beneficiaries who are currently excluded from the pension scheme.

The three-day protest will witness participation from pensioners, union representatives and several public figures. The committee has expressed hope that the government will take prompt action and initiate meaningful dialogue to resolve the issue and ensure dignity and security for millions of retired workers across the country.