New Delhi: The central government has informed Parliament that it is not considering the introduction of a universal minimum pension scheme for senior
citizens at present.
The clarification came in response to a question raised in the Rajya Sabha by MP R. Girirajan, who sought to know whether the government was planning to introduce a minimum pension for all elderly citizens across the country.
Replying on behalf of the government, Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaje said there is currently no proposal to launch such a scheme.
While ruling out a universal pension programme, the minister highlighted the provisions of the Code on Social Security, 2020, which aims to extend social security benefits to workers in the unorganised sector, as well as gig and platform workers.
Karandlaje said the legislation provides for the creation of a Social Security Fund to finance various welfare schemes. She also noted that Section 113 of the Code enables the registration of unorganised workers, gig workers and platform workers, allowing them to access social security benefits under the framework.
The minister also responded to questions regarding the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS), 1995. She explained that the EPS pension fund is a pooled fund supported by contributions from both employers and the Central government.
She further clarified that there is no time limit for eligible beneficiaries or their families to submit pension claims under the EPS. Once a claim is approved, the pension and any outstanding arrears are paid together.
In addition, the government disclosed the amount lying in inoperative Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) accounts.
According to the minister, Rs 9,330.56 crore was lying in inoperative EPF accounts as of March 31, 2026.
The government’s response indicates that while it is focusing on strengthening social security coverage for workers through existing legislation, it is not currently considering a universal minimum pension for all senior citizens.
