Pensioners covered under the Employees’ Pension Scheme 1995 (EPS-95) will hold a three-day protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi from March 9 demanding increase in the minimum monthly pension from the current Rs 1,000 to Rs 7,500.The protest has been called by the EPS 95 National Movement Committee, which is led by its national president Commander Ashok Raut.According to a statement, around 8.1 million pensioners from central and state government public sector undertakings, cooperative and private sectors, mills and media establishments have been raising their demands for the last nine years.“Appeals have been made to the Prime Minister, all Union Ministers and MPs from all parties. But the government is ignoring the calls of elderly pensioners and making hollow claims of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’,” the committee said.Pensioners said that despite contributing to EPFO for 30 to 35 years of service, many retirees get an average monthly pension of only Rs 1,171.However, the committee alleges that pension is being distributed without any contribution under various government schemes.It also claims that on an average, 200-250 pensioners are dying untimely deaths every day across the country due to extremely low pensions and lack of free medical care.“Angry over the government’s inhumane treatment and continued neglect of the interests of elderly pensioners, pensioners will hold a “do or die” protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on March 9, 10 and 11 at the beginning of the second phase of the budget session of Parliament,” the statement said.Pensioners from all states are expected to participate in the protest, while Members of Parliament from different political parties are also likely to participate.The major demands raised by pensioners include a minimum monthly pension of Rs 7,500 with dearness allowance and free medical care for pensioners and their spouses.He has also demanded that the benefit of higher pension should be given equally to all eligible pensioners in accordance with the Supreme Court’s decision of November 4, 2022.Besides, pensioners excluded from the EPS-95 scheme have demanded a monthly pension of Rs 5,000, the statement said.