Government Updates
Recent changes to Indian government schemes, portals, deadlines, and services — all in one place.
New This Week
GST Filing Deadlines July 2026: GSTR-1 Due July 11, GSTR-3B Due July 20
Monthly GST filers (non-QRMP) must submit GSTR-1 for June 2026 by July 11 and pay tax plus file GSTR-3B by July 20 to avoid late fees and interest. Small business owners and traders should reconcile sales and input credit before these dates.
PAN-Aadhaar Linking: ₹1,000 Penalty If Not Linked, PAN May Turn Inoperative
If your PAN is still not linked to Aadhaar, it is likely inoperative and you must pay a ₹1,000 penalty via the e-Pay Tax option before linking. An inoperative PAN can block banking, investment, and tax-filing transactions, so citizens should check status and pay the fee promptly on the income tax portal.
Income Tax 24x7 Helpline: Extended Support From July 25–31, 2026 for ITR Filers
The Income Tax Department will run its helpline round-the-clock from 8 AM on July 25 to midnight on July 31, 2026, to help taxpayers with e-filing, refunds, and rectification queries ahead of the July 31 ITR deadline. Call or use the portal's chat support during this window if you're stuck filing.
RBI Bank Locker Rules 2026: Up to 4 Nominees Allowed, 100x Rent Compensation
RBI's updated locker guidelines now let you register up to four nominees per locker for smoother succession. If bank negligence (fire, theft, staff fraud) blocks your access, banks must pay compensation up to 100 times the annual locker rent.
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
Delhi Ration Card Reform: Income Limit Raised to ₹2.5 Lakh for Eligibility
Delhi has increased the annual income eligibility limit for ration cards from ₹1.2 lakh to ₹2.5 lakh, letting more lower middle-class families qualify for subsidised food grains. Around 7.72 lakh duplicate or ineligible ration cards have also been cancelled, so eligible citizens should re-verify their details online to avoid losing benefits.
GST Rule Change 2026: Input Tax Credit Now Locked to GSTR-2B Only
GST authorities are rolling out input tax credit (ITC) side-locking around July 2026, meaning businesses can only claim credit that matches their auto-generated GSTR-2B statement. GST-registered citizens and small businesses should reconcile purchase invoices with GSTR-2B regularly to avoid credit mismatches and blocked claims.
RBI New Rules From July 1: Full Refund If Bank Mis-Sells You a Product
Under RBI's Responsible Business Conduct Directions 2026, banks must fully refund your money if their staff mis-sold you a financial product, and telemarketing calls are now restricted to 9 AM-6 PM. Report any mis-selling or nuisance calls to your bank and the RBI to claim compensation.
Sarthak PDS Launched: ₹25,530 Crore Plan for Ration Card Transparency
The government has launched Sarthak PDS to modernise the ration card system with Aadhaar-based e-KYC for every family member and phase out paper forms. Apply or update your ration card online via your state's PDS portal or the Mera Ration App to keep receiving subsidised grain without interruption.
EPFO Doorstep Digital Life Certificate: Free Face-Auth Service for Pensioners
EPS pensioners can now get their annual Digital Life Certificate done free at home via India Post's doorstep visit or Aadhaar face authentication, with no need to visit a bank or EPFO office. Keep your pension order (PPO) and Aadhaar ready and check your DLC due date on the Jeevan Pramaan portal.
e-Shram One Stop Solution: Access UAN Card & Benefits via DigiLocker, UMANG
The e-Shram portal for unorganised workers now integrates with DigiLocker and UMANG, letting workers download their UAN card and access PM-SYM pension, PMSBY insurance, PM Vishwakarma and PM SVANidhi benefits from their phone. Search "Ministry of Labour & Employment" in DigiLocker or UMANG and verify with Aadhaar to save a permanent digital copy.
New Labour Codes 2026: 50% Wage Rule and Social Security for Gig Workers
India's four new Labour Codes are now in force, requiring basic pay to be at least 50% of total salary (CTC), which raises PF and gratuity amounts for most employees. Gig and platform workers (delivery, cab drivers) now get legal social security cover for the first time, and every employer must issue a formal appointment letter.
Modified UDAN Scheme Launched — ₹28,840 Crore Plan for 100 New Airports
PM Modi launched the Modified UDAN regional connectivity scheme on July 4, 2026, a 10-year, ₹28,840 crore plan to develop 100 airports and 200 helipads for cheaper regional flights. Airlines must reserve at least 50% seats at subsidized fares — look for the "RCS-UDAN" label when booking flights to smaller towns.
PAN 2.0 Unified Portal Rollout Underway — Dynamic QR Code PAN Cards Now Issued
Under the PAN 2.0 project, new PAN cards are being issued with an enhanced dynamic QR code that verifies updated name, photo, and date-of-birth details instantly, ahead of a full switch to a single unified PAN/TAN portal. Existing PAN cards remain valid with no expiry, so citizens are not required to replace them unless they want the upgraded card.
PM Kisan: Farmer ID Now Mandatory for New Registrations in 19 States
Farmer ID, linked to state farmer registries, is now compulsory for anyone registering fresh under PM-KISAN in 19 states where the registry has been rolled out. Existing beneficiaries in these states should also link their Farmer ID to avoid disruption in future installments; check status on the PM-KISAN portal.
Ayushman Vay Vandana Card: Free ₹5 Lakh Cover for All Seniors 70+, No Income Limit
The income eligibility criteria for the Ayushman Vay Vandana Card has been removed, making every citizen aged 70 and above eligible for a separate ₹5 lakh annual health cover regardless of earnings, with pre-existing conditions covered from day one. Seniors can apply free via the Ayushman App, PM-JAY portal, or nearest Common Service Centre using Aadhaar e-KYC.
TDS/TCS Deposit Deadline July 7, 2026 for June Quarter — Avoid Interest Penalty
Tax deducted or collected at source for June 2026 (and Q1 FY26-27 for quarterly payers) must be deposited by July 7, 2026. Missing this date attracts monthly interest on the outstanding amount, so salaried employers, freelancers deducting TDS, and small businesses should clear payments before the deadline.
PMAY Urban 2.0: 2.88 Lakh New Homes Approved — 4% Loan Subsidy Available Now
The government approved an additional 2.88 lakh homes under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Urban 2.0. First-time homebuyers can get a 4% interest subsidy on the first ₹8 lakh of a home loan for properties priced under ₹35 lakh, paid as 5 annual instalments of ₹36,000. Apply online at pmay-urban.gov.in with Aadhaar verification; the house must be co-owned by a female family member.
UPI Fraud Compensation: Claim Up to ₹25,000 for Small Digital Payment Fraud
From July 1, 2026, victims of small-value digital payment fraud (transactions up to ₹50,000) can claim up to 85% compensation, capped at ₹25,000 per claim. This one-time benefit covers UPI and other digital transactions. If defrauded, immediately report to your bank and file a complaint on the National Cyber Crime portal at cybercrime.gov.in.
UIDAI Launches New Aadhaar App — mAadhaar Being Replaced with Face Auth & QR Scan
UIDAI officially launched a new Aadhaar app to replace the older mAadhaar. The new app supports face authentication, secure QR code sharing without exposing your Aadhaar number, biometric lock/unlock, and management of up to 5 family profiles. mAadhaar users should download the new app from Google Play or the App Store and sign in with existing credentials before mAadhaar is discontinued.
EPF Scheme 2026: New PF Withdrawal Rules, 25% Lock-in & 12-Month Wait Period
The government notified the EPF Scheme 2026, replacing the 1952 rules from July 1. Withdrawal categories are simplified to 3 (Essential, Housing, Special); 25% of your PF balance is now locked for retirement and cannot be withdrawn; and a minimum 12 months of service is required before any partial withdrawal. Update your Aadhaar and PAN on the EPFO member portal to avoid claim delays.
Railway Fines Doubled from July 1, 2026 — ₹500 for Ticketless Travel
Indian Railways has revised its penalty rates effective July 1, 2026. The fine for travelling without a ticket doubles from ₹250 to ₹500, traveling in a reserved women's coach now carries a ₹2,500 penalty, and carrying dangerous goods by rail can attract fines up to ₹10,000. All passengers are advised to carry valid tickets and follow compartment rules strictly.
Aadhaar Email Update Free of Charge from July 1 to December 31, 2026
UIDAI is waiving the usual ₹75 fee for updating a registered email address on Aadhaar from July 1 to December 31, 2026. Citizens can update their email for free via the mAadhaar app or uidai.gov.in. Keeping an active email on Aadhaar enables faster OTP-based verification across government portals and services.
Passport Fees Hiked from July 1, 2026 — Apply Before Deadline to Save ₹1,000
The government has revised passport fees effective July 1, 2026. A standard 36-page passport now costs ₹2,500 (up from ₹1,500) and the tatkal fee rises to ₹5,000 (from ₹3,500). Citizens planning to apply or renew their passport are advised to submit applications before July 1 to pay the old, lower fee.
Ayushman Bharat PMJAY Now Covers All States — West Bengal Joins Scheme
West Bengal became the 36th and final state to join Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY on June 8, 2026, completing nationwide rollout of the world's largest health assurance scheme. Around 1.43 crore eligible families in West Bengal can now avail free hospitalisation cover of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year. Residents should apply for their Ayushman Card through the PMJAY portal, Ayushman App, or nearest CSC centre.
DigiLocker + UMANG Integration: Access All Government Documents in One App
The National e-Governance Division (NeGD) has integrated the UMANG app with DigiLocker, letting citizens access, share, and verify government documents through a single platform. e-Shram UAN cards are also now available in DigiLocker under Ministry of Labour & Employment — workers can save a digital copy by searching the ministry name inside the DigiLocker app.
PAN Now Mandatory for Property Sales Above ₹20 Lakh — Threshold Doubled
Under the updated Income Tax Rules 2026, PAN is now required for immovable property transactions above ₹20 lakh, doubled from the earlier ₹10 lakh limit. Citizens buying or selling property must ensure their PAN is active and linked to their bank account to avoid registration or payment delays at the sub-registrar office.
New Income Tax Rules 2026: Revised Forms, Raised Exemptions & HRA for More Cities
India's Income Tax Rules 2026 replaced the 1962 rules from April 1, condensing 500+ provisions into 333 rules. New ITR forms are live, children's education and meal voucher allowances raised, and HRA exemption extended to four additional cities. All taxpayers should review the updated rules and use the new forms when filing returns by July 31, 2026.
West Bengal Annapurna Yojana: ₹3,000/Month for Women Aged 25–60
West Bengal launched the Annapurna Yojana on June 1, 2026, providing ₹3,000 per month directly to eligible women's Aadhaar-linked bank accounts via DBT. Registration opened June 3 on the Social Registry portal. Women aged 25–60 who are permanent residents of West Bengal should register with family details at socialregistry.wb.gov.in before the deadline.
DigiLocker Now Integrates Passport Verification Records for Citizens
The Ministry of External Affairs has integrated Passport Verification Records (PVR) with DigiLocker, allowing citizens to access and share their passport verification records digitally. The digital record is legally recognised and accepted for domestic verification purposes. Access it through the DigiLocker app or digilocker.gov.in.
ITR Filing Deadline July 31, 2026 for Individuals — File FY 2025-26 Returns Now
The last date to file Income Tax Returns for FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27) is July 31, 2026 for salaried individuals, pensioners, and investors using ITR-1 or ITR-2. Missing this deadline attracts a penalty of ₹5,000, reduced to ₹1,000 if total income is below ₹5 lakh. File your return online at incometax.gov.in.
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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