(a)whether the Labour organisations of the country have demanded to increase the minimum pension of Rs. 1000 to labourers being given by Provident Fund since 1995 and to provide ESI coverage to all pensioners;
(b)if so, the details thereof; and
(c)if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
(SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)
(a) to (c): Yes, Sir. Demands have been made by various stakeholders including trade unions, pensioner’s associations, etc., to increase the minimum monthly pension from existing Rs.1,000/- per month under Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS), 1995 and to provide medical benefits/ESI coverage to EPS, 1995 pensioners and their spouse.
The Government had fixed minimum pension to Rs.1,000/- per month under EPS, 1995 by providing budgetary support keeping in view the widespread demand with effect from 01.09.2014.
Further, there is no provision under EPS, 1995 to provide ESI coverage to pensioners.
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