New Delhi: The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is expected to discuss the long-pending demand for an increase in the minimum monthly pension under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) at its next Central Board of Trustees (CBT) meeting on November 19.
The 240th meeting of the EPFO’s apex decision-making body is scheduled to take place in Gir, Gujarat. While the detailed agenda has not yet been finalised, reports suggest that the pension revision proposal may be taken up for discussion.
The minimum monthly pension under EPS has remained at Rs 1,000 since September 2014. Pensioners’ associations and trade unions have repeatedly demanded a revision, arguing that the amount is insufficient to meet rising living expenses.
Pensioners Demand Rs 7,500 Minimum Pension Along With DA
Several pensioners’ organisations and trade unions have been seeking an increase in the minimum monthly pension to Rs 7,500, along with dearness allowance (DA).
They have cited the rising cost of essential items, including food, medicines and healthcare, while calling for the existing pension amount to be revised.
The Centre, however, has maintained that any increase must be assessed in view of the financial sustainability of the pension fund. The government currently provides budgetary support to ensure the minimum monthly pension of Rs 1,000, in addition to its contribution to EPS.
EPFO Wage Ceiling Revision Adds Significance To Pension Demand
The proposed discussion comes after the Centre recently raised the wage ceiling for mandatory EPFO coverage from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 per month. The revised limit came into effect on September 17, 2026.
Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya had also indicated in February that the government would take a decision on demands relating to wage ceilings under the EPFO and Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), as well as the minimum pension under EPS.
EPFO Board Meeting To Be Held In Gujarat
The November 19 meeting will be held outside New Delhi, marking a departure from the board’s recent practice of meeting at the EPFO headquarters in East Kidwai Nagar.
The previous five CBT meetings were held in the national capital. The upcoming meeting in Gir is expected to draw attention from pensioners awaiting a decision on the long-standing demand for a higher minimum pension.
However, the proposal being considered for discussion does not mean that an increase has been approved. Any revision will depend on the outcome of the meeting and the government’s decision.
