EPS Minimum Pension Likely to Rise from ₹1,000 to ₹3,000; 73.55 Lakh Pensioners May Benefit

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is reportedly considering increasing the minimum monthly pension under the Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS) from the existing ₹1,000 to ₹3,000. According to reports, the Labour Ministry has held discussions with the Union Finance Ministry and is moving towards a decision on the proposal. The issue is likely to be taken up as a special agenda item at the EPFO Central Board of Trustees (CBT) meeting scheduled for November 19. India has approximately 81.48 lakh EPS pensioners, of whom nearly 73.55 lakh currently receive less than ₹3,000 per month. If the proposal is approved and implemented, these pensioners could benefit from the increase.

The minimum EPS pension was fixed at ₹1,000 in 2014, when the EPFO increased the wage ceiling from ₹6,500 to ₹15,000. At the time, nearly 80% of pensioners were receiving less than ₹1,000 per month, prompting the organisation to introduce the minimum pension provision. Trade unions have been demanding an increase for several years and have repeatedly raised the issue at CBT meetings. Discussions have gained momentum following the reported revision of the EPFO wage ceiling from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 in September, after nearly 12 years. The proposed increase to ₹3,000 is now under consideration. If implemented, it could benefit approximately five lakh EPS pensioners in Telangana.