RSS-affiliate BMS proposes to increase pension under EPS-95 to Rs 5,000 pm

New Delhi, Dec 18: Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), an RSS affiliate that powers ruling BJP at grassroot level, has proposed to hike monthly pension under Employees’ Pension Scheme, 1995 (EPS-95) to Rs 5,000 from Rs 1,000 and cover the pensioners  in the

Ayushman Bharat medical scheme as part of its recommendations for the upcoming Union Budget.
“Any hike in minimum pension in EPS-95 should be universal hike to all 65 lakh pensioners. Last time, minimum pension

hike benefitted only to nearly 14 lakh pensioners out of 44 lakh pensioners,” BMS has said in its suggestions to Finance Minister.
The trade union has also suggested to substantially hike guaranteed job scheme Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) and work out a similar scheme for unorganised workers in the urban area. Opposing government’s 

disinvestment policy, the BMS and other central trade unions have very divergent views on policies related to FDI, privatization, disinvestment and corporatization.
“In August 15, the Hon’ble Finance Minister and Chairman of the Group of Minister on Labour had promised all CTOUs (Central trade union organizations) that the government will conduct a larger meeting. But even after 6 years it did not take place,” BMS noted.
It has urged Finance Minister to consult all stakeholders before disinvestment.
Among other key suggestions, the trade body has proposed to increase Income Tax exemption limit to Rs 10 lakh and protect the interest rate on deposits for senior citizens.