The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation’s highest decision-making body, Central Board of Trustees (CBT), is meeting today to discuss a range of pending issues, including the roll-out of EPFO 3.0 and minimum pension hike.
The decision is awaited on both these matters for some time now, especially the minimum pension hike proposal. The Centre had last revised the minimum pension to Rs 1,000 in 2014. Since then, various government employee unions and other representative bodies have been nudging the Centre to look into the matter.
Will the Centre finally raise the minimum pension now?
Currently, EPFO members receive a monthly pension of Rs 1,000 under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS), 1995, post-retirement. However, employees argue that this amount is too low and does not meet basic needs, considering the rising inflation.
Reports suggest that the labour ministry has given its due consideration to the demand and reviewed various options for increasing the pension amount. However, it is unclear whether a final decision will be taken at today’s meeting.
EPFO’s CBT meeting is being held after 9 months
The last CBT meeting was held in February 2025, when the interest rate on EPF was approved. This meeting, taking place after nearly nine months, is considered important because it is likely to discuss several key proposals.
This meeting was originally scheduled for October 11th and 12th in Bengaluru, but later rescheduled for today, October 13th.
EPFO 3.0: Technology upgrades will make work easier
The meeting will also present an update on the EPFO’s technology upgrade project, “EPFO 3.0.” Under this project, the EPFO is looking at completely modernising its digital platform to enable members to access withdrawals, transfers, and other services in a fast, convenient and hassle-free manner.
Major IT companies such as Infosys, Wipro, and TCS were shortlisted to complete this project. Although the project was originally scheduled to be completed earlier this year, it has been delayed due to technical testing.
Target of 35 million jobs: Employment plan discussed
The meeting will also discuss the government’s new “PM Vikasit Bharat Rozgar Yojana.” This plan aims to create 35 million jobs between August 2025 and July 2027, of which approximately 19.2 million jobs will be for first-time job seekers.
This plan was approved by the Union Cabinet in July and became effective from August 1, 2025.
Investment policy reforms also likely to be discussed
The CBT meeting is also likely to discuss further strengthening the EPFO’s investment policy. However, no major changes to investment rules are expected at this time.
According to sources, the EPFO is considering improving its investment and redemption processes, as maintaining high interest rates on PF deposits has proven challenging in recent years.
Why is this meeting important?
The EPFO manages the retirement savings of millions of employees in the country. In such a situation, CBT meetings are directly linked to the future of employees and their financial security.
It is expected that today’s meeting will lead to some concrete decisions in the interest of pensioners, employees, and employers.