The EPFO retirees demonstrated on the streets demanding a substantial increase in their monthly pensions, with the major demand being raising it to a minimum of ₹9,000. Apart from this demand, they have asked for the next at-dearness allowance (DA) hikes and medical allowances, too, trying to keep pace with their increased medical expenditures.
What Is Behind Protests By Pensioners?
Currently, most EPFO pensioners only receive a wee pension amount, which is insufficient even for a single-day basic expense. Now, as hiked cost of living, available pension has also not adjusted suitably with time. According to pensioners, an ₹9000 minimum pension can sustain the human-being decent living standards.
Core Concerns Of EPFO Pensioners
- Increasing the Pension to ₹9,000: Presently, it is pegged at a meager amount that mainly comes down to around ₹ 1,000 per month. Pensioners are asking for a good amount in its place.
- Deemed Allowance (DA): A pensioner has called for a DA increase that would be equivalent to that granted to government employees regarding the increasing inflation and cost of living.
- Medical Allowance: No affordable healthcare is available for the majority of retirees. A monthly medical allowance would go a long way in helping them meet some of these expenses.
- Timely Payment of Pension: Apart from the above, pensioners have also raised concerns over delays in the pensions and have demanded that they receive their dues in a timely fashion.
Response From The Government
Government has apprised the demands of the EPFO pensioners, and the concerned ministry is reportedly examining a proposal towards increasing the minimum pension. So far, there is no formal word on the issue, but speculations are rife that the ₹9,000 pension amount can be enhanced very soon.
Also, a very possible opening for allowing a medical allowance to meet the health needs of pensioners may well be under consideration by the government. An adjustment in the DA rates is also being weighed in offsetting the bite of inflation.
Where Do We Go From Here?
A hope that they express will find a response coming from the government in terms of favorable proclamations with regard to the upcoming months. The acceptance of these demands would mean an immense financial relief for millions of EPFO pensioners.
For now, however, security holders are urged to remain vigilant until an official announcement of what lies ahead comes out and members take part in discussions through their respective pensioners’ associations.
Conclusion
Demand for a minimum pension of ₹9,000, along with demand for hikes in DA and medical allowances, speaks volumes about the ordeal that retired employees face. If the governments make a right decision in favor of this demand, it would change the lifestyles of many pensioners across the country.
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