EPS 95 should be linked with DA, say pensioners

EPS 95 should be linked with DA, say pensioners

                                                                            

THE future of 45 lakh retired semi-Government employees in the country is dangling with no concrete direction from the Government to implement the demands of minimum pension coupled with dearness allowance (DA) and medical facility. Considering the increase in the rate of inflation retired employees receiving pension less than Rs 1.000 have been struggling to make a decent living.

In this regard, the EPS 95 Action Committee. Nagpur has demanded that retired semi-Government employees should get a minimum Rs 5.000 pension plus DA allowance and medical facility per month.

"This will benefit lakhs of employees who have been hit very hard with sky rocketing prices on all fronts and rising medical expenses." said Suresh Rewalkar. President of EPS 95 Action Committee, Nagpur. Rewatkar explained that the Central Government has recently implemented the recommendations of the Employees Pension Scheme (EPS) 95 expert committee report which was tabled wayback in 2010. to raise the pension limit to a minimum of Rs 1.000 per month which has come into effect from April 2014. Till  date  the Government has not implemented  the scheme. Now according to a new ruling the Government will distribute minimum pension of Rs 1.000 from September instead of April stated earlier. The EPS 95 Action Committee. Nagpur demanded that the Government should implement minimum pension amount as per the GR from April 2014 and give the five month difference amount to the employees, he said.

He highlighted that the Action Committee. Nagpur has held various meetings with Nilin Gadkari. Union Minister for Transport and Prakash Javdekar, Environment Minister on EPS issue. Both have been very cooperative and have assured to look into their grievances to raise the minimum pension limit to Rs 5.000 plus DA after the electioas in Maharashtra.

Rewatkar elaborated that there are 145 semi-Government organisations in the country. Currently. Nagpur city has more than 4.500 retired employees who are in distress receiving very low amount of pension which has made living a mis-cry. He said. "We want the Government to provide a minimum Rs 5.000 pension plus seven per cent DA and medical facility to the retired employees."

The Constitution oflndia states that Government employees who have served in industry in the interest of the nation should be provided adequate cover for their services. Rewatkar pointed out.

Posted in: News 2014