EPFO: The long standing demand of the pensioners of the Employees Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) now seems to be fulfilled. According to media reports, the government is preparing to directly increase the minimum monthly pension from Rs 1,000 to Rs 3,000 (three times) after a long wait of 12 years.
This major amendment, which is going to happen for the first time since 2014, can be finalized in the 240th meeting of CBT (Central Board of Trustees) to be held on November 19, which will affect the future of millions of organized sector employees of the country. So let us know through this article what is the whole matter and what is going to happen in this meeting.
Important decisions can be taken under EPFO in the upcoming meeting
This can be a big relief for lakhs of pensioners of the Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS) under the Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO). After extensive discussions between the Labor Ministry and the Finance Ministry, it is expected that a consensus will be reached on this proposal.
It is believed that this will be included as a main and separate agenda in the 240th meeting of the Central Board of Trustees (CBT) to be held in New Delhi on 19 November 2026, where a final decision on this is possible.
Preparation for change after 12 years
The minimum pension amount was last revised in the year 2014. At that time the government had increased the minimum monthly pension from Rs 250 to Rs 1,000. There has been no change in this pension amount despite inflation increasing manifold since then, i.e. for almost 12 years. For this reason, various trade unions and pensioners' organizations of the country have been demanding for a long time to increase it and link it with Dearness Allowance (DA).
How much can pension increase?
According to media reports, the government is preparing to increase the minimum pension to ₹ 3,000 per month, on which a consensus has been reached to a large extent between the ministries. On the other hand, various pensioners' associations and trade unions say that in view of rising inflation and medical expenses, it should be reduced to at least ₹7,500 per month and it should also be linked to Dearness Allowance (DA).
The government recently increased the salary limit for mandatory PF coverage from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 per month from September 17, 2026. After this historic decision, the expectations of increase in minimum pension have become stronger.
Note: Note that no official notification has been issued yet regarding increasing the pension. The final decision will be clear only after the CBT meeting to be held on November 19 and then the final approval from the government.