EPFO Meeting in October May Announce Hike in Minimum Pension Under EPS-95

Once again, hopes are rising among pensioners under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS-95) for a long-awaited revision in the minimum pension amount. The Central Board of Trustees (CBT) of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation ( EPFO ) is expected to meet in October 2025, where a decision on enhancing the minimum pension may finally be taken. Pensioners are optimistic that this meeting could bring a Diwali gift in the form of higher pension benefits.

Upcoming EPFO Meeting in October

The CBT meeting of EPFO is likely to be held between October 10 and October 11 in Bengaluru. It will be chaired by Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya . This will be the first meeting in seven months and is expected to cover several key decisions, including pension reforms and digital upgrades of the EPFO system.

Key Agendas for the Meeting

Among the major agendas, discussions are expected on enhancing services for EPF account holders, upgrading the EPFO portal, and providing seamless transactions for both EPF and EPS accounts. The proposed revamp, referred to as EPFO 3.0, may include features such as partial withdrawals through ATMs or UPI.

Focus on Minimum Pension Hike

The most significant agenda item for pensioners is the potential hike in the minimum pension under EPS-95. Currently, the minimum pension stands at ₹1,500 per month, unchanged since September 2014. Reports suggest that EPFO may increase this to ₹2,500, addressing the long-standing demand of trade unions who argue that rising living costs make the existing pension inadequate.

Past Recommendations on Pension Increase

Earlier, a High-Level Monitoring Committee had recommended raising the pension to ₹2,000 and submitted this proposal to the Finance Ministry. However, the recommendation was not accepted. Pensioners’ associations have continued to push for an upward revision, and this upcoming meeting could mark a turning point.

Government’s Role in Pension Reforms

Under the Narendra Modi government, the Ministry of Labour and Employment had first set the minimum pension at ₹1,000 per month in 2014. This was seen as a relief at the time, but with inflation and higher living costs, pensioners have been seeking further revisions for nearly a decade.

Structure of EPS 1995

The EPS-95 scheme is a contribution-defined benefit social security programme. Its funding comes from two sources:

• 8.33% of wages contributed by the employer
• 1.16% of wages contributed by the central government (up to a wage ceiling of ₹15,000 per month)

Despite this structure, the minimum pension amount has not been revised since 2014, leading to increasing pressure on EPFO to act.

Impact of a Pension Hike

If the pension hike is approved, increasing the minimum pension from ₹1,500 to ₹2,500, it would provide significant relief to millions of pensioners across India. Such a move would also likely boost household consumption, especially ahead of the festive season, giving a positive push to the economy.

Tech Upgrade in EPFO Services

In addition to pension-related announcements, EPFO’s digital infrastructure is set for a revamp. Tech giants such as Infosys, TCS, and Wipro have been shortlisted to implement upgrades, ensuring faster, more efficient, and seamless user experiences for EPF members.

Conclusion

The upcoming EPFO meeting is being closely watched, especially by pensioners under EPS-95. With discussions around a potential hike in minimum pension, digital upgrades, and improved member services, the meeting could prove to be a game-changer. Pensioners are hopeful that after years of waiting, this Diwali could bring the long-awaited revision in their monthly pension benefits.