As per the statistics available
upto
31.03.2012, the number of pensioners receiving pension less than Rs. 500/-
p.m. is around 12 lakh
and those receiving more than Rs. 500
and less than Rs.1000/- is around 16.05 lakh.
A
number of representations have been received against meager
pension and demanding increase in the pension. In order to address this issue,
the Government of India constituted an Expert Committee for reviewing the
Employees’ Pension Scheme, 1995 on 12.06.2009.
The recommendation of the Expert Committee was considered by Pension
Implementation Committee (PIC), a sub-Committee of Central Board of Trustees
(CBT), Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), which inter-alia recommended that a
minimum monthly pension under Employees’ Pension Scheme, 1995 be increased to
Rs. 1000/- per month as an interim measure. The recommendation of the PIC was
considered by CBT, EPF. However, the discussion remained inconclusive. A
proposal for providing minimum pension of Rs. 1000/- under EPS, 1995 is under
consideration of the Government.
Central Government appoints Valuer under Para 32 of the Employees’ Pension Scheme, 1995
for annual valuation of Employees’ Pension Fund. Depending on the valuation
report, the Central Government declared additional relief whenever Pension Fund
permitted to do so. From 5th valuation of Employees’ Pension Fund as
on 31.3.2001, the fund is showing continuous deficit, therefore, pension could
not be revised by the Central Government.
However, the following categories of pension were
increased w.e.f. 29.01.2000 in the following
manner:
|
Category of Pension
|
Increased from
|
Increased to
|
|||
|
Widow/Widower Pension
|
Rs. 250/-
|
Rs. 450/-
|
|||
|
Children Pension
|
Rs. 115/-
|
Rs. 150/-
|
|||
|
Orphan Pension
|
Rs. 170/-
|
Rs. 250/-
|
|||
On the basis of the annual
valuations carried out by the valuer appointed by the
Central Government, the Central Government grants relief to pensioners, if the
Employees’ Pension Fund shows surplus. The first four valuations showed surplus
and accordingly relief of 4%, 5.5%, 4% & 4% was granted during 1996 to
2000. However, no relief has been declared by the Central Government after
31.03.2000 as the fund is showing continuous deficit thereafter.
This information was given by Minister of State for Labour &
Employment Shri Kodikunnil
Suresh in the Rajya
Sabha today in reply to a written question.
Source : PIB Release, 8 May, 2013
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