MP urges Centre to hike pension of retired industrial workers

PUDUCHERRY: Lok Sabha member V Vaithilingam has urged the Union government to hike the monthly pension of retired industrial workers from Rs 1,171 to Rs 5,000.

The Congress MP made the demand under the Rule 377 in the Lok Sabha. He also urged the government to extend free medical treatment to the pensioners and their spouses.

Presently, there are more than 70 lakh retired employees from industrial sectors who are under the Employees' Pension Scheme, 1995 (EPS-95).

“These EPS 95 pensioners are getting a very meagre amount as their monthly pension. The average pension given to these old age pensioners is only Rs 1,171. The cost of medical treatment is also not covered, and these pensioners are struggling for their livelihood. Considering the present cost of living, the Union government can revise the minimum monthly pension to Rs 5,000. All the EPS 95 pensioners and their spouses can be given free medical treatment,” he said.