The Union Labour Ministry has issued clarifications regarding minimum pension eligibility for members under various circumstances, as well as the conditions under which a pensioner becomes entitled to a pension under EPS 95.

Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Shobha Karandlaje, clarified the eligibility criteria for EPS 95 pensions in the Lok Sabha.

Members of Parliament Daroga Prasad Saroj and Sanjay Haribhau Jadhav raised pertinent questions to the Ministry of Labour and Employment regarding the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) 1995.

They sought clarification on the policy and criteria for awarding pensions under the scheme and whether any decisions had been made to revise these provisions. Additionally, they questioned whether the government had conducted any investigations or reviews of EPS 95 pensioner cases, requesting details of such reviews and the total number of cases examined.

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The MPs also inquired about the timeline for issuing revised pensions to EPS 95 pensioners and the expected number of beneficiaries across all states, with a specific focus on Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.

Further, they sought information on the additional benefits, particularly health services, that may be extended to beneficiaries under the revised EPS 95 scheme. Their questions reflect growing concerns about the adequacy and timeliness of pension benefits for members under the scheme.

EPS member must complete 10 years of eligible service for pension: Govt

To qualify for superannuation benefits under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) 1995, a member must complete a minimum of 10 years of eligible service and attain 58 years of age.

Members opting for early pension can do so after turning 50, subject to a reduction of 4% per year for every year short of 58. However, in cases of disablement or death, no such age or service criteria apply—members or nominees are entitled to pensions with just one month of contributions.

“On cessation of employment before completing 58 years a member can opt for early pension. Such early pension can be availed only after completing 50 years of age subject to a pension being reduced at the rate of 4% for every year falling short of 58 years,” the minister said.

The government has ensured a minimum pension of Rs 1,000 per month for members, disabled individuals, widows, or nominees since September 1, 2014, alongside Rs 750 for orphans and Rs 250 for children.

“The Central Government is providing a minimum pension of Rs 1,000/- per month to member/disabled member/widow(er)/nominee/dependent parent pensioners; Rs 750/- per month for orphan pensioners and Rs 250/- per month for children pensioners w.e.f. 01.09.2014,” the minister said.

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Policy and investigation:

Addressing further questions on revising pension policies, the minister stated that the EPS 95 scheme provides comprehensive social security benefits for old-age contingencies. The government has not announced any decision to revise the existing pension policies but remains committed to reviewing and strengthening the scheme.

Review and beneficiaries:

The minister confirmed that investigations and reviews of EPS 95 cases are conducted as required. Details of such cases and their outcomes vary by state, though no specific data on a revised pension issuance date or the number of beneficiaries were disclosed. This includes queries about states like Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.

Additional benefits:

Responding to questions about additional benefits under the revised EPS 95 scheme, the minister highlighted the inclusion of health services, but no detailed information was provided regarding their implementation or scope.