Haldwani pensioners seek 7,500-rupee minimum pension, DA and healthcare, warn of nationwide protest

The Nainital district unit of the National Struggle Committee has warned of intensified protests over demands for a minimum monthly pension of 7,500 rupees, dearness allowance and other benefits for pensioners.

The committee said pensioners have continued their struggle for the past 10 years, but the minimum pension has not been revised. If the demands are not accepted, it warned that EPFO offices across the country could be locked and a sit-in protest held at the organisation’s headquarters in Delhi.

Demands raised at Haldwani meeting

The Uttarakhand Nainital district committee held its meeting on Saturday at the Uttarakhand Transport Corporation depot in Haldwani. District president Rajendra Kumar Walia chaired the meeting.

Serving and retired employees from the Uttarakhand Transport Corporation, Food Corporation of India, Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam, Forest Corporation, Lalkuan Paper Mill and Nepa Paper Mill attended the gathering. Employees from other departments also took part.

Participants demanded medical facilities for pensioners and their husbands or wives. They also sought the inclusion of all eligible people who remain outside the pension scheme.

The committee further called for interim assistance of 5,000 rupees per month until the minimum pension is revised. The demand is intended to provide temporary support before any formal change to the pension amount.

Committee outlines next steps

NAC Uttarakhand state president Bhupendra Adhikari, coordinator Jagat Singh Dobal, state secretary Ganesh Melkani, state vice-president Satya Prakash Goswami, district vice-president Madhusudan Lohani, Gopal Rikhari and Somnath were among those who addressed the meeting.

Rajendra Kumar Walia said the district committee would follow the directions issued by national president Commander Ashok Raut and the central committee. He also urged employees to participate regularly in committee meetings.

The warning sets out 2 possible forms of protest: locking EPFO offices across the country and demonstrating at the headquarters in Delhi. The source does not specify dates for either action.

Conclusion

The committee’s Haldwani meeting focused on a 7,500-rupee minimum pension, dearness allowance, medical support, wider scheme coverage and 5,000-rupee interim assistance. It warned of nationwide EPFO office closures and a Delhi protest if the demands remain unresolved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What minimum pension has the committee demanded?

The committee has demanded a minimum monthly pension of 7,500 rupees.

Q. What additional payment has been requested?

The committee has sought dearness allowance for pensioners.

Q. What medical benefit is being sought?

It wants medical facilities for pensioners and their husbands or wives.

Q. What interim assistance has been proposed?

The committee has demanded 5,000 rupees per month until the minimum pension is revised.

Q. Who held the meeting in Haldwani?

The Nainital district committee of the National Struggle Committee, Uttarakhand, held the meeting.

Q. Where was the meeting held?

The meeting took place at the Uttarakhand Transport Corporation depot in Haldwani.

Q. What action has been threatened if the demands are not met?

The committee warned of locking EPFO offices across the country and holding a demonstration at the Delhi headquarters.

Q. Who chaired the meeting?

District president Rajendra Kumar Walia chaired the meeting.