EPS-95 Pension Hike to Rs 7,500: Govt Cites Fund Deficit, No Timeline Yet

• EPS-95 pensioners demand minimum Rs. 7,500, Dearness Allowance, and free medical facilities, affecting 7.8 million people.
• Government clarified in Parliament that a significant increase is difficult due to a fund deficit as of March 31, 2019.
• EPS-95 is a "Defined Contribution–Defined Benefit" scheme, with benefits paid from a fund constituted by employer (8.33%) and central government (1.16%) contributions.
• The High Empowered Monitoring Committee (HEMC) stated linking Dearness Allowance is impossible due to the fund's status; government already provides additional budget support for the Rs. 1,000 minimum.
• EPFO has processed 99% of applications for pension fixation as per Supreme Court orders, but no timeline for the Rs. 7,500 hike, DA, or medical facilities has been announced.

Why It Matters: Govt cites fund deficit for no EPS-95 pension hike to Rs 7,500; pensioners await decision.