Shamini 
(C): Twitter
Employees in the private sector working under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS‑95) of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) are likely to get a boost in their pension. The current minimum pension of INR 1,000 may increase to INR 2,000 while very strong recommendations have been made to have it increased to INR 7,500 and this would potentially help millions of residents’ security in retirement status.
What Is the Existing Minimum Pension Under EPS?
Under EPS, which started in 1995 members of the EPF who contribute EPS for a minimum of 10 years qualify for a pension from the age of 58. The guaranteed minimum pension is INR 1,000 per month, effective from September 1, 2014 with the guarantee funded through the budget.
How Much Higher Could the Minimum Pension Go?
INR 2,000 proposal: The recommended level has been raised to INR 2,000 in a 2019 parliamentary committee report; still no approval on this proposal.
INR 7,500 Suggested Minimum Pension: Recent media reports state that the minimum pension could be increased to INR 7,500 per month starting in April-May 2025, affecting around 6-7.8 million pensioners.
When Will the New EPF Pension Start?
Although an exact rollout date for a pension hike has not been announced, EPFO has carried out necessary internal actions and is awaiting government approval. If approved, this hike could take place in the next few months.
This long awaited pension should ease the financial problems for millions of private employees. Be on the lookout for messages from EPFO or representative announcements from the Ministry of Labour.
