New Delhi: The EPS-95 pensioners have called off their indefinite hunger strike after central government agreed to the demands of the protesting senior citizens on December 7.
Senior pensioners, falling under the age of 60 to 80 years, were sitting on the indefinite hunger strike from December 4 at Bhikaji Kama Place-based EPFO Office at New Delhi and even threatened commit mass suicides if their demands not met.
The government’s representative met with the pensioners on December 7 and assured that the ministry will send a proposal to the finance ministry to increase their pension to Rs 7500/month with DA. of the EPS-95 pensioners.
“The Government has agreed to our demands and assured they will work towards the welfare of the senior pensioners. MP from Bhind Dr. Bhagirath Prasad visited the protesters on the behalf of Minister Gangwar and promised that the ministry will forward the duly recommended proposal for enhancement in minimum pension to Rs 7500/- with DA and withdraw EPFO Interim Advisory of 31/5/2017 for a higher pension on actual salary,” said Commander Ashok Raut, President of EPFO Rashtriya Sangharsh Samiti.
Dr Bhagirath said,”In an age where government employees are drawing better salaries and retired workers are being paid decently. But EPS-95 pensioners are barely able to make two ends meet. Our government in committed towards their well being and I am sure their protest won’t go unheard. I will fight for their rights like their representative. I will raise their issue with PM and Finance Minister.”
A 72-year-old lady from Maharashtra, Kamla Bai Pawar, who was staging the protest in New Delhi, said,”I am thankful to the government for accepting our demands and putting an end to our protest. But I would still remind that I won’t sit quietly until our demands are met and will stage protest once again if the government fails to listen to us.”