The issue of higher pension benefits under the Employees’ Pension Scheme 1995 (EPS-95) has returned to the spotlight after a pensioners’ association approached President Droupadi Murmu for intervention. The organisation has raised concerns over an Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) order that it claims is delaying or preventing some retired employees from receiving higher pension benefits.
The association has called for the withdrawal of the disputed order, faster resolution of pending pension applications and an end to avoidable litigation. It has also sought relief from interest charges that it says have accumulated because of administrative delays.
Letter Sent to President Droupadi Murmu
On October 23, 2026, the National Confederation of Pensioners’ Associations (NCPA) submitted a letter to President Droupadi Murmu seeking action on unresolved higher pension claims under EPS-95.
According to the organisation, it represents approximately one million pensioners who previously worked in public sector enterprises (PSUs) and private companies.
The NCPA has requested that the President ask the Ministry of Labour and Employment and the EPFO to address the concerns raised by retired employees. Its demands include speeding up the processing of eligible higher pension applications and reducing unnecessary legal disputes.
The association says many pensioners receive relatively small monthly pensions and that prolonged court proceedings can place additional financial and emotional pressure on elderly retirees.
Why Is the EPFO Order Dated January 18, 2025, Being Opposed?
The main concern raised by the NCPA relates to an EPFO directive issued on January 18, 2025. According to the association’s interpretation, the order requires the relevant provident fund trust rules to be considered when assessing higher pension eligibility for employees of exempted establishments.
Exempted establishments are organisations permitted, subject to specified conditions, to manage their own provident fund trusts instead of operating entirely under the standard EPFO-administered arrangement.
The NCPA alleges that some higher pension applications are being held up because of salary limits contained in the rules of these trusts. It argues that this approach could result in different outcomes for retired employees who worked for the same public sector organisation.
The association has therefore requested the withdrawal of the January 18, 2025, directive and a review of the way affected applications are handled.
What Happens Next for EPS-95 Higher Pension Claims?
The NCPA’s letter represents a request for intervention; it does not, by itself, change the existing EPFO directive or guarantee approval of pending higher pension applications.
Any withdrawal or modification of the order, as well as changes to the processing of pension claims, would depend on decisions by the relevant authorities.
Pensioners awaiting a decision should continue to refer to official EPFO notifications and applicable government instructions for information about eligibility, documentation and the status of their claims.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is based on the information provided in the source material. The concerns and demands described are attributed to the National Confederation of Pensioners’ Associations and should not be interpreted as confirmed government decisions. Pensioners should consult official EPFO notifications or seek qualified advice regarding their individual pension claims.