New Rules from October 1: With the start of October, several rules affecting the daily lives of the general public are set to change. These include changes related to domestic LPG cylinder subsidies, UPI payments to merchants, tax procedures for purchasing property from NRIs, free bus travel for women in Delhi, and the scope of ESIC coverage. Additionally, a proposed strike by bank employees could impact banking services during the month.
Aadhaar Authentication Mandatory for LPG Subsidy
Starting October 1, Biometric Aadhaar Authentication (BAA) will be mandatory for eligible consumers availing of the subsidy on domestic LPG cylinders. According to the Ministry of Petroleum, approximately 89.9% of the 27.43 crore active domestic LPG customers have already completed this process.
Customers who have already undergone Aadhaar authentication do not need to repeat the process. However, eligible consumers who have not yet completed BAA must do so to continue receiving the subsidy.
According to the government, the indirect subsidy on a 14.2 kg domestic LPG cylinder was approximately ₹210 in September. BAA can be completed at the time of delivery, at the gas agency’s office, or via the respective companies’ mobile apps.
New MDR on UPI Payments; No Direct Charges to Customers
Changes to UPI-related rules are also proposed for October. Starting October 15, a proposal suggests implementing a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on select P2M (Person-to-Merchant) payments exceeding ₹2,000. This charge will be capped at a maximum of ₹300 for payments of ₹75,000 or more.
However, this charge cannot be levied directly on the general customer. P2P (Person-to-Person) payments and P2M transactions up to ₹2,000 will remain outside the scope of this MDR.
According to the government, approximately 96% of P2M transactions will remain unaffected by this change. However, business organizations state that the implementation of MDR could increase their costs.
Tax process for purchasing property from NRIs to become easier
From October 1, the TDS process for resident individuals or HUFs purchasing immovable property from NRIs will change. Under the new income tax rules, a PAN-based process and Form 141 will be utilized.
This change will simplify the compliance process by eliminating the need for buyers to obtain a separate TAN. However, the obligation to deduct TDS when purchasing property from an NRI remains; the buyer must deduct and deposit TDS in accordance with applicable tax regulations.
Buyers purchasing high-value properties are advised to verify the applicable rates and procedures with a tax expert.
ESIC coverage to expand in 24 districts of Madhya Pradesh
From October 1, the expansion of ESIC coverage will come into effect across 24 districts of Madhya Pradesh. Eligible establishments and employees falling under the notification’s scope will be able to avail themselves of ESIC’s health and social security benefits.
This change will also impact the prescribed contribution rates for both employees and employers. For employees, the primary benefit will be the expansion of social security and health coverage.
Smart card mandatory for free bus travel for women in Delhi
Changes are also being introduced to the free bus travel scheme (on DTC and cluster buses) for women and transgender passengers in Delhi. The system of issuing paper ‘pink tickets’ will continue until September 30.
From October 1, tapping the ‘Saheli Pink Smart Card’ will be mandatory to avail of free travel. Passengers without a smart card may have to purchase a regular ticket and pay the fare.
The smart card will be issued free of charge initially; however, a fee of ₹59 will be charged for a replacement card in the event of loss or damage.
Potential disruptions due to bank strikes in October
Banking services may also be affected in October. Bank unions have put forward several demands, including the implementation of a five-day banking work week, pension improvements, a uniform Dearness Allowance formula for pensioners, and an option for employees covered under the NPS to switch to the Old Pension Scheme.
The unions have warned of an indefinite strike starting October 26, 2026, if their demands are not met. If the strike takes place, banking branch services could be affected; however, the situation regarding digital banking and online payment services might differ.
