Question : MINIMUM PENSION FOR CASHEW WORKERS .

(a)whether the minimum pension of Rs.1000/- is applicable to all members of the scheme including cashew workers who had retired from service irrespective of their status;

(b)if not, the reasons therefor;

(c)the steps taken by the Government to extend the benefit to all members including retired cashew workers;

(d)whether the Government proposes to introduce new pension scheme as the present scheme is limited only for the current financial year; and

(e)if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI BANDARU DATTATREYA)

(a): The minimum pension Rs. 1000/- per month under Employees’ Pension Scheme, 1995 is applicable to all the members of the scheme, including those cashew workers who are members of the scheme.

(b): Does not arise in view of reply to part (a) of the Question above.

(c): The Government has notified a minimum pension of Rs. 1000/- per month for the year 2014-15 to the pensioners under Employees’ Pension Scheme, 1995 vide Notification G.S.R. 593 (E), dated 19th August, 2014. As per this notification, all the members of EPS, 1995 who were getting a monthly pension of less than Rs. 1000/- automatically became eligible for a minimum pension of Rs. 1000/- per month w.e.f. 01.09.2014.

(d): No, Madam.

(e): Does not arise in view of reply to part (d) of the Question above.