minimum pension
The demand for minimum pension for the elderly citizens of the country, especially old and destitute women, was once again raised in the Parliament. The government was asked in the Rajya Sabha whether it was considering starting a scheme called ‘Minimum Pension for All’ for all citizens. On this the government made it clear that at present there is no proposal to bring any such scheme.
What was asked in Parliament?
On 23 July 2026, Rajya Sabha MP R. Girirajan asked the government whether there is any preparation to launch a minimum pension scheme to provide financial assistance to the elderly, especially old and destitute women. He also asked for information about the government’s plan in this regard.
What answer did the government give?
Minister of State for Labor and Employment Shobha Karandlaje said in a written reply that the government currently has no proposal to start a scheme like ‘Minimum Pension for All’. However, he said that under the Social Security Code, 2020, a provision has been made to increase the scope of social security to unorganized sector workers, gig workers and platform workers. There is also a provision in this law to create a Social Security Fund, so that financial assistance can be provided to welfare schemes for eligible workers. Apart from this, there is also a provision for registration of unorganized, gig and platform workers under Section 113.
Important information also given on EPS-2026
The government also gave information regarding Employee Pension Scheme (EPS), 2026. The minister said that the pension fund of EPS is operated with contributions from employers and the central government. Pension and other benefits are given to the eligible employees or their families from this fund. The government also clarified that there is no time limit for claiming EPS. Even if an eligible person makes a claim later, if the claim is approved, he gets the pension along with the outstanding amount (arrears). Apart from this, the government said that till March 31, 2026, Rs 9,330.56 crore were deposited in inoperative EPF accounts. This information was given through written reply in Parliament.
