Government Updates
Recent changes to Indian government schemes, portals, deadlines, and services — all in one place.
New This Week
PM Kisan: eKYC Deadline Extended to July 31, 2026
The Ministry of Agriculture has extended the eKYC deadline for PM Kisan Samman Nidhi to July 31, 2026. Farmers who haven't completed eKYC should do it immediately on pmkisan.gov.in to avoid missing the 18th installment.
Aadhaar Update: Free Name/Address Correction Window Until June 30
UIDAI is offering a free window to update name and address in Aadhaar until June 30, 2026. After this, the standard ₹50 per field fee applies. Update at myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in.
Ayushman Bharat: New Beneficiary Registration Open for Gig Workers
The National Health Authority (NHA) has announced that gig economy workers (delivery, cab, domestic help) can now register for Ayushman Bharat health cover through a new registration drive. Check eligibility at beneficiary.nha.gov.in.
Earlier
Small Savings Rates Unchanged for Oct-Dec 2026: PPF 7.1%, SSY 8.2%
The Finance Ministry has kept interest rates on small savings schemes the same for October 1 to December 31, 2026. PPF stays at 7.1%, Sukanya Samriddhi at 8.2%, Senior Citizen Savings Scheme at 8.2%, NSC at 7.7% and Kisan Vikas Patra at 7.5%. No action is needed, but you can plan deposits knowing the rates are fixed until year-end.
Delhi Women Now Need Pink Saheli Smart Card for Free DTC Bus Rides
From October 1, paper Pink Tickets are being replaced by the Pink Saheli Smart Card for free travel on DTC and cluster buses in Delhi. The first card is free, and a replacement costs Rs 49. Eligible Delhi-resident women and transgender persons need Aadhaar with a linked mobile number, and can register online and collect the card at one of the authorised centres.
ITR Deadline for Audit Cases Extended to Nov 21, Tax Audit Report to Oct 21
CBDT has extended the AY 2026-27 income tax return deadline from October 31 to November 21, 2026 for taxpayers whose accounts require a tax audit. The tax audit report deadline has also moved from September 30 to October 21. Taxpayers who do not need an audit get no extra time, so check which category you fall in before relying on this.
Left Out of PF? EPFO Enrolment Campaign Closes October 31
EPFO's Employees' Enrolment Campaign 2026 lets employers enrol workers who were never covered under EPF between April 2009 and March 2026, and the employee's past share can be waived if it was never deducted. The window closes on October 31, 2026 and will not be extended. If you are still working with the same employer and have no PF account, ask your employer to declare you through the campaign.
NPS Charges Revised From Oct 1: ₹200 Onboarding Fee, Free via e-NPS
PFRDA has revised Point of Presence (PoP) charges for NPS and NPS Lite from October 1, 2026: a one-time ₹200 onboarding fee per PRAN (₹100 for fully digital onboarding) and an annual charge of 0.20% of assets. Subscribers who join and contribute through e-NPS or D-Remit do not pay PoP charges, and dormant accounts are exempt.
Buying Property From an NRI? No Separate TAN Needed From Oct 1
From October 1, 2026, resident individuals and HUFs buying property from an NRI can deduct and deposit TDS using their own PAN through Form 141 (Schedule E), without getting a TAN. TDS is still mandatory on the full sale value with no ₹50 lakh threshold, so buyers must still calculate, deduct and deposit it on time.
EPFO Wage Ceiling Raised to ₹25,000 — More Workers Get Mandatory PF
The Centre has raised the wage ceiling for compulsory EPF coverage from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 a month, bringing over 51 lakh more employees under PF, pension (EPS) and insurance cover. Salaried workers earning up to ₹25,000 may see a higher PF deduction from their October 2026 salary, but also a bigger retirement corpus. Check your payslip and UAN passbook to confirm contributions.
Late Birth or Death Registration Now Needs Magistrate Order From Oct 1
From October 1, 2026, registering a birth or death 1-2 years late needs approval from a District, Sub-Divisional or Executive Magistrate after verification and a fee. Delays of more than 2 years need an order from a First Class Judicial Magistrate. Families should register births and deaths within the normal period to avoid the extra steps.
Maharashtra Driving Licence Now Requires a Domicile Certificate
Since August 1, 2026, Maharashtra has made a domicile certificate mandatory for new driving licence applications in the state. If you're applying for a fresh DL in Maharashtra, keep your domicile certificate ready along with the usual identity and address proof documents.
GST Invoice Management System Becomes Mandatory for All From October 2026
The Invoice Management System (IMS) on the GST portal, already compulsory for businesses with turnover above ₹5 crore, extends to every GST-registered taxpayer from October 2026. If you file GST returns, start accepting, rejecting, or holding invoices on the IMS dashboard now to avoid input tax credit mismatches and blocked GSTR-3B filings.
Delhi Voter List: Claims Window Extended to Oct 22, Final Roll on Oct 27
The Election Commission has extended Delhi's Special Intensive Revision schedule for the second time — claims and objections on the draft electoral roll can now be filed until October 22, with the final roll published on October 27. Check your name on the draft roll and file a claim before the new deadline if there's an error.
UIDAI Launches New Aadhaar App to Replace mAadhaar With Selective Sharing
UIDAI has rolled out a new Aadhaar app that lets you verify your identity via QR code or face scan without revealing your full Aadhaar number, and it will eventually replace the older mAadhaar app. Download the new Aadhaar app from your app store and set it up so you're ready once mAadhaar is phased out.
Ration Cards Inactive for 6 Months Face Deactivation From Oct 1
Ration cards that haven't been used to draw rations for 6 months can be switched off starting October 1, 2026 under a nationwide PDS cleanup drive. If your card gets deactivated, you can restore it by completing e-KYC and field verification between October 1, 2026 and January 1, 2027. Visit your Fair Price Shop or check your state's food department portal before the cutoff to avoid losing free ration benefits.
UIDAI Launches Aadhaar Face Authentication SDK for Banks, Fintechs
UIDAI has released an Aadhaar Face Authentication SDK and testing Sandbox so banks, fintechs, and insurers can add face-based Aadhaar verification directly inside their own apps instead of redirecting you to a separate app. This should make e-KYC and account opening faster with less app-switching, plus built-in checks against spoofing. No action is needed from citizens now — the change rolls out gradually as individual banks and apps adopt the new SDK.
UPI Fee of 0.4% Kicks In From Oct 15 for Payments Above ₹2,000
From October 15, 2026, a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (capped at ₹300) applies to UPI payments above ₹2,000 made to merchants — but the charge is billed to the merchant, not you. Small payments up to ₹2,000, all person-to-person transfers, and essential services like railways, fuel, education fees, and utility bills stay free or capped at ₹5. No action is needed from shoppers; this changes how merchants are charged, not how much you pay.
Passport Fees Hiked From July 2026 — Tatkal 36-Page Now ₹5,000
Passport fees rose from July 1, 2026 for the first time in over 14 years. A normal 36-page adult passport now costs ₹2,500 (up from ₹1,500), while Tatkal for the same booklet costs ₹5,000 (up from ₹3,500); 60-page booklets cost more under both routes. Applicants should check the updated fee table before submitting a fresh, renewal, or Tatkal application.
650 Ayushman Bharat Hospitals in Haryana Suspend New Patients From Sept 16
Around 650 private hospitals empanelled under Ayushman Bharat in Haryana are set to stop taking new routine patients from midnight September 16, 2026, over ₹1,200 crore in unpaid claims from the state government. Emergency cases will still be admitted, so patients should verify a hospital's current empanelment status before planning non-emergency treatment.
LPG Subsidy Under Ujjwala Yojana Now Requires Aadhaar e-KYC
From FY 2026 onwards, Aadhaar-based e-KYC is mandatory for all PM Ujjwala Yojana beneficiaries to keep receiving their ₹300 LPG cylinder subsidy. If e-KYC is not completed, the DBT subsidy will not be credited even for registered beneficiaries.
UIDAI Extends Free Aadhaar Document Update Deadline to June 14, 2027
UIDAI has extended the window for updating proof-of-identity and proof-of-address documents on the myAadhaar portal free of cost until June 14, 2027. The waiver covers only online updates via myAadhaar; visiting an enrolment centre for the same update still costs ₹75.
Citizenship Rules 2026: OCI Applications Now Online-Only, PIO Cards Scrapped
The Ministry of Home Affairs has notified the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2026, making all OCI card registration and renunciation applications submit-only through the online portal, with a new digital e-OCI option available. The rules also formally scrap the older PIO card scheme — old PIO cards no longer work as valid travel documents at Indian border checkpoints. Remaining PIO cardholders should apply to convert to OCI status.
New E-Commerce Rules 2026: Dark Pattern Ban, Price Disclosure From Jan 2027
The government has notified the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) (Amendment) Rules, 2026, replacing the 2020 rules with stronger protection against dark patterns, misleading discounts, and fake sponsored listings. Online platforms must give you a copy of your complaint and join the National Consumer Helpline network for faster resolution. The rules take effect January 1, 2027 — no action needed now, but know these rights before your next online purchase.
UIDAI Launches Face Authentication SDK to Ease Aadhaar Access for NRIs
UIDAI has launched a new face authentication software development kit that lets partner banks and businesses verify Aadhaar locally using face recognition. It targets Indians living or travelling overseas who often can't complete Aadhaar OTP or biometric checks due to geofencing restrictions. NRIs facing failed Aadhaar authentication abroad should ask their bank or service provider if this option is now available.
UIDAI Waives Aadhaar Email Update Fee via App Till December 31, 2026
UIDAI has waived the fee for updating your email address on Aadhaar through the mAadhaar or myAadhaar app until December 31, 2026. Normally this online update carries a small charge, so this is a free window to correct or add your email — useful since it's used for OTP verification and Aadhaar-linked alerts.
NSP Scholarship Deadlines Extended: Pre-Matric to Sep 30, Post-Matric to Oct 31
The National Scholarship Portal has extended the last date for Pre-Matric scholarship applications to September 30, 2026, and Post-Matric scholarship applications to October 31, 2026, for the 2026-27 academic year. Students should complete registration and document verification at scholarships.gov.in before these deadlines to avoid missing out on financial assistance.
Income Tax Refunds Delayed for 24 Lakh Taxpayers — Check Status Now
Over 24 lakh taxpayers are facing income tax refund delays in 2026, with some ITRs for AY 2026-27 pending processing for more than 90 days due to backlogs and verification checks. If your refund hasn't arrived within the usual 15-45 day window, log in to the e-filing portal to check your ITR status and raise a grievance if it is significantly overdue.
UPI Gets Tap & Pay and Mandatory Number Masking From September 2026
RBI and NPCI launched UPI 'Tap & Pay' at Global Fintech Fest 2026, letting users make PIN-less contactless payments up to ₹5,000 by tapping an NFC phone on a POS terminal, alongside an AI support tool called MyUPI. Separately, NPCI has directed all UPI apps and banks to mask mobile numbers, UPI IDs, and account numbers by September 4, 2026 to reduce fraud. Update your UPI app to the latest version to use the new features — no other action is needed.
Four Labour Codes in Force: Know Your New Wage and Overtime Rights
With the Centre's final rules under the four Labour Codes now rolled out, workers are entitled to a statutory floor minimum wage, a mandatory appointment letter, and double-rate overtime pay for hours worked beyond 48 a week (capped at 144 hours a quarter). Employers must also provide annual health check-ups and grievance committees — check that your appointment letter and wage slip reflect these entitlements.
New Telecom Rule: Biometric Scan Now Needed for SIM Changes
A Department of Telecommunications circular in effect from August 17, 2026 makes a live biometric check (face, fingerprint, or iris) mandatory before you get a new SIM, replace a lost one, or update your name, gender, or date of birth on a mobile connection, verified through the government's Digital Intelligence Platform. Carry a valid ID and be prepared for an in-person biometric scan at your telecom operator's store for any such request going forward.
Small Savings Rate Reset Due Sept 30 — Lock In NSC, KVP Now
The Finance Ministry will announce fresh interest rates for PPF, Sukanya Samriddhi, NSC, KVP, and other post office schemes for the October-December 2026 quarter around September 30. Rates have held steady for nine quarters straight, but if you plan to invest in a fixed-rate scheme like NSC or KVP, depositing before September 30 locks in today's rate — floating-rate schemes like PPF and Sukanya Samriddhi apply the new rate to your full balance regardless of when you deposit.
Electoral Roll Draft Out: File Claims by Sept 23 in Delhi, Maharashtra
The Election Commission published draft electoral rolls under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026 on August 24. Voters in Delhi and Maharashtra who spot errors, find their name missing, or need to add a family member should file claims and objections online via the Voters' Portal before September 23, 2026 — the final roll will be published on October 27, 2026.
Passport Seva: Walk-in Appointments Now Available at Select PSKs
MEA has introduced walk-in appointment slots at 42 Passport Seva Kendras for emergency travel cases. Regular appointments still recommended via passportindia.gov.in. Check availability at your nearest PSK.
PAN-Aadhaar Linking: Penalty Waiver Period Ended — Unlinked PANs Now Inoperative
As of May 31, 2026, all PANs not linked to Aadhaar have become inoperative. Inoperative PAN holders cannot file ITR or conduct financial transactions. Link immediately at incometax.gov.in. A ₹1,000 late fee applies.
One Nation One Ration Card: All 36 States & UTs Now Covered
The ONORC scheme is now live across all 36 states and UTs in India. Migrant workers can use their ration card at any Fair Price Shop in the country by providing Aadhaar-based biometric authentication.
Voter ID: Enrollment Open for 18-Year-Olds Born Between Jan–April 2008
The Election Commission has opened voter enrollment for citizens who turned 18 between January 1 and April 1, 2008. Apply online at voters.eci.gov.in using Form 6. No documents needed — Aadhaar verification is sufficient.
DigiLocker: 10 New Documents Added Including CGHS Cards & ECHS Certificates
DigiLocker has integrated CGHS (Central Govt Health Scheme) cards and ECHS (Ex-Servicemen) certificates. Defence and central govt employees can now access these digitally at digilocker.gov.in.
PM Awas Yojana Gramin: New Beneficiary List Released for 2026–27
State governments have released the new PMAY-G beneficiary list for 2026–27. Eligible families must complete geo-tagging and consent on the AwaasSoft portal within 60 days. Contact your Gram Panchayat for details.
Driving Licence: DL Test Now Mandatory at Automated Testing Tracks in 26 States
MoRTH has expanded the automated driving test track mandate to 26 states. Manual testing by examiners is being phased out. Book your test slot at sarathi.parivahan.gov.in.
e-Shram Portal: 3 Crore New Unorganised Workers Registered in Q1 2026
The e-Shram portal has crossed 30 crore registrations. Unorganised workers — including construction labour, domestic help, street vendors — not yet registered should enroll at eshram.gov.in to access social security benefits.
Income Tax: New ITR Forms Released for Assessment Year 2026–27
The Income Tax Department has notified ITR-1 to ITR-7 for AY 2026–27. The last date for filing for non-auditable cases is July 31, 2026. Use the pre-filled form feature at incometax.gov.in for faster filing.
Updates are compiled from official government sources. Always verify on the respective official portal before taking action.
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