EPFO 3.0 Update: New PF Withdrawal Rules Make Partial Withdrawals Easier for Employees

EPFO 3.0 Update: New PF Withdrawal Rules Make Partial Withdrawals Easier for Employees

New Delhi: The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has introduced major changes to partial withdrawal rules under the newly implemented EPFO 3.0 system. The objective of these reforms is to simplify PF withdrawal rules, bring uniformity, and make the process more employee-friendly. The decisions were approved by the Central Board of Trustees under the chairmanship of Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.

Changes in PF Withdrawal During Unemployment

Earlier, unemployed employees were allowed to withdraw 75 percent of their PF balance after one month of unemployment, while the remaining 25 percent could be withdrawn after two months.

Under EPFO 3.0, this rule has been modified. Employees can now immediately withdraw 75 percent of their PF amount after unemployment. However, full 100 percent withdrawal is permitted only after 12 months of continuous unemployment. This change aims to ensure long-term financial security while still providing immediate relief.

Pension Withdrawal Rules Tightened

Previously, pension withdrawal was allowed after two months of unemployment. Under the new EPFO 3.0 rules, the waiting period has been extended to 36 months (three years). This means employees can withdraw pension benefits only after being unemployed for a longer duration.

In cases of company lockouts or permanent closures, employees are allowed to withdraw 75 percent of their EPF corpus, while 25 percent must remain in the account to maintain the required minimum balance.

Withdrawals for Medical Emergencies and Special Situations

During pandemics or national emergencies, employees can still withdraw three months’ basic salary plus DA or 75 percent of their PF balance, whichever is lower. Under EPFO 3.0, the process has been standardised and made faster.

For medical emergencies involving self or family members, withdrawals are now allowed based on six months’ basic salary plus DA or the employee’s contribution, but a minimum service period of 12 months is mandatory.

Education and Marriage Withdrawal Rules Relaxed

EPFO 3.0 offers greater flexibility for education and marriage expenses. Employees can now withdraw PF for education up to 10 times and for marriage up to 5 times, which is more than what was allowed earlier. This change is expected to benefit young employees planning major life events.

Housing and Home Renovation Made Easier

Earlier, employees needed 24 to 36 months of service to withdraw PF for house construction, plot purchase, or housing-related expenses. Under EPFO 3.0, the minimum service requirement has been reduced to 12 months for all partial withdrawals, including housing needs.

Rules for home renovation remain unchanged but are now included in a uniform withdrawal framework. Housing loan-related withdrawals have also become fully digital and faster, reducing paperwork and delays.

Key Benefits of EPFO 3.0

The biggest benefit of EPFO 3.0 is the standardised 12-month minimum service requirement for most partial withdrawals. This reduces confusion, improves transparency, and ensures quicker access to PF funds when employees need them the most.

Overall, EPFO 3.0 marks a significant step towards making provident fund rules simpler, more consistent, and more accessible for India’s workforce.

New Year Rule Changes 2026: 9 Major Economic Changes Effective From January 1 That Will Affect Your Daily Life

New Year Rule Changes 2026: 9 Major Economic Changes Effective From January 1 That Will Affect Your Daily Life

As 2025 comes to an end, several important regulatory and financial changes are scheduled to take effect across India from January 1, 2026. These updates will impact banking services, taxation, fuel prices, salaries, and everyday expenses. From PAN-Aadhaar linking to vehicle price hikes, the new rules are expected to directly affect the income, savings, and lifestyle of common citizens.

Here is a detailed look at the nine major changes coming into force with the start of the new year.

1. PAN-Aadhaar Linking Becomes Mandatory

The deadline to link PAN with Aadhaar will end in December 2025. If the two documents are not linked by then, the PAN card will be deactivated from January 1, 2026.

Once deactivated, individuals will not be able to file income tax returns, receive tax refunds, or access several banking and financial services. Participation in government schemes and high-value financial transactions may also be restricted. Taxpayers are advised to complete the linking process before the year ends to avoid disruption.

2. Stricter Rules for UPI, SIM Verification and Messaging Apps

To address the growing cases of digital fraud, authorities are tightening security norms across multiple platforms. This includes stricter verification for UPI transactions, enhanced SIM card verification processes, and identity checks on popular messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal.

The new measures aim to improve monitoring of suspicious transactions and reduce misuse of digital communication channels.

3. Revised Loan and Fixed Deposit Interest Rates

Several major banks, including SBI, PNB and HDFC Bank, have announced changes to loan interest rates and fixed deposit returns. Borrowers may benefit from revised lending rates, while investors can expect updated returns on fixed deposits.

These new rates will be applicable from January 1, 2026, helping individuals plan their finances more effectively.

4. LPG Cylinder Price Revision

LPG cylinder prices will be reviewed again on January 1. Depending on global and domestic factors, prices may either increase or decrease, directly affecting household budgets.

Recently, commercial LPG cylinder prices were reduced by ₹10, bringing the rate in Delhi to ₹1,580.50. Any new revision will add to or reduce monthly kitchen expenses.

5. CNG, PNG and ATF Price Updates

Along with LPG, prices of CNG, PNG and Aviation Turbine Fuel will also be revised. These rates depend on international crude oil prices and market demand.

Changes in CNG and PNG prices can affect daily commuting and household fuel costs, while ATF price revisions may influence air travel fares.

6. Preparations for the New Income Tax Act

Although the new Income Tax Act, 2025 will replace the existing law from April 1, 2026, the government is expected to notify updated income tax return forms and revised assessment rules as early as January.

The objective is to simplify tax filing, reduce litigation, and increase transparency for taxpayers ahead of the full rollout.

7. Implementation of the 8th Pay Commission

The 8th Central Pay Commission is expected to be considered effective from January 1, 2026. This marks the end of the 7th Pay Commission, whose tenure concludes on December 31, 2025.

If implemented, government employees may see revised salaries, while pensioners could receive enhanced pension benefits under the new pay structure.

8. New Rules for Farmers

Several changes aimed at improving transparency and welfare delivery will come into effect for farmers. A Unique Farmer ID will become mandatory to avail benefits under the PM-Kisan scheme in states such as Uttar Pradesh.

In addition, claims under the PM Fasal Bima Yojana will now cover crop damage caused by wild animals, provided the damage is reported within 72 hours.

9. Vehicle Price Hike From January 1

Many automobile manufacturers have announced price hikes effective from January 1, 2026. Brands such as Nissan, BMW, JSW MG Motor, Renault and Ather Energy will increase prices by ₹3,000 to up to 3 percent.

Tata Motors and Honda may also follow suit. Rising input costs and higher production expenses are cited as the primary reasons for the increase.

What These Changes Mean for You

With the new rules coming into force, daily expenses may rise due to fuel and vehicle price revisions. Banking and tax compliance requirements will become stricter, making timely documentation essential. Government employees may benefit from pay commission revisions, while farmers could receive better insurance coverage and welfare access.

Aadhaar Card Tips: Check Where Your Aadhaar Has Been Used in Minutes

Aadhaar Card Tips: Check Where Your Aadhaar Has Been Used in Minutes

Today, the Aadhaar card is no longer limited to being just an identity document. It has become a digital identity that is linked to almost every important service in our daily lives. From opening bank accounts and getting mobile SIM cards to receiving pensions, rations, and benefits under government schemes, Aadhaar is used everywhere.

However, an important question arises — do you know where and for what purpose your Aadhaar card has been used so far? If your answer is no, there is no need to worry. You can now easily check your Aadhaar usage details in just a few minutes.

Why Tracking Aadhaar Usage Is Important

In recent times, cases of Aadhaar-related fraud have increased rapidly. Many people are unaware that their Aadhaar number is being misused without their knowledge. Fake SIM cards are issued, loans are taken fraudulently, and government benefits are misused in someone else’s name.

By regularly checking your Aadhaar authentication history, you can detect such misuse at an early stage and prevent financial loss, legal trouble, and identity theft. This makes Aadhaar usage tracking extremely important in today’s digital environment.

Tracking Aadhaar Usage Is Now Easier Than Ever

Earlier, users had to visit the UIDAI website or use the mAadhaar app to access Aadhaar details, which many people found complicated. To simplify this process, the government has now introduced a new Aadhaar app.

With this app, you can easily check when, where, and for what purpose your Aadhaar was used, directly from your mobile phone while sitting at home.

How to Check Aadhaar Authentication History

To view your Aadhaar usage history, start by downloading the new Aadhaar app on your smartphone. After installing the app, log in using your Aadhaar number and the mobile number registered with Aadhaar.

Once logged in, go to the “Authentication History” or “Auth History” section. Here, you will find a complete list showing the date, time, and location of every Aadhaar authentication. This information helps you verify whether the usage was genuine or suspicious.

What to Do If You Notice Any Misuse

If you find any Aadhaar usage entry that you do not recognize or that seems suspicious, do not ignore it. Immediately report the issue to the UIDAI helpline. You can also file a complaint through the cybercrime helpline or contact your nearest police station.

Timely reporting can protect you from fraudulent loans, cyber fraud, and unnecessary legal complications.

Stay Alert and Stay Safe

In the digital age, even a small mistake can result in major losses. Fraudsters continuously look for new ways to misuse Aadhaar details. That is why checking your Aadhaar authentication history regularly is a smart and responsible habit.

The new Aadhaar app makes this process simple and quick. Staying informed and alert is the best way to protect your digital identity.

Disclaimer

This content has been sourced and edited from TV9. While modifications have been made for clarity and readability, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the original content.

Read More PAN/Aadhar Card Updates

GRSE Apprentice Recruitment : Apply for 226 Vacancies

GRSE Apprentice Recruitment : Apply for 226 Vacancies

GRSE Apprentice Recruitment 2025 has been announced by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE) for the training year 2025–26. Under this recruitment drive, a total of 226 apprentice vacancies will be filled across multiple categories such as Human Resources, Trade Apprentices, Graduate Apprentices, and Technician Apprentices.

Interested and eligible candidates can apply online from December 20, 2025 (2:00 PM). The last date to submit the application form is January 10, 2026 (11:59 PM). Applicants are advised to complete the registration process well before the deadline.

GRSE Vacancy 2025 Details

The 226 apprentice posts are distributed across different apprentice categories. These roles are offered for training purposes and aim to provide hands-on industry experience to young professionals and students from technical and non-technical backgrounds.

Eligibility Criteria for GRSE Apprentice Recruitment 2025

Who Can Apply?

Eligibility conditions vary depending on the apprentice category:

  • Human Resources Apprentice
    Candidates must have a first-class MBA or postgraduate degree/diploma (minimum 60% or 55% as applicable) in Human Resources, Personnel Management, or a related field.

  • Trade Apprentices (Ex-ITI)
    Applicants must have completed AITT and hold an NTC/NCVT certificate in the relevant trade.

  • Trade Apprentices (Freshers)
    Candidates should have passed Class 10 from a recognised board.

  • Graduate Apprentices
    Applicants must possess a BE/B.Tech degree in Engineering, completed in 2023, 2024, or 2025.

  • Technician Apprentices
    Candidates must hold a diploma in the relevant discipline.

Age Limit for GRSE Apprentice Posts

Age Criteria

The age limit differs for each apprentice category:

  • Human Resources Apprentice: Maximum age is 26 years

  • Trade Apprentice (Ex-ITI): Age between 14 and 25 years

  • Trade Apprentice (Freshers): Age between 14 and 20 years

Age relaxation will be provided to SC, ST, OBC, and other eligible categories as per Government of India rules.

GRSE Apprentice Selection Process 2025

Selection Process for Human Resources Apprentices

Selection for Human Resources apprentices will be based on postgraduate qualification marks. Candidates with higher academic scores will be shortlisted for document verification and interview. The final selection will depend on interview performance.

Selection Process for Other Apprentice Categories

For all other apprentice roles, selection will be done purely on the basis of marks obtained in the qualifying examination, such as:

  • AITT marks for Ex-ITI trade apprentices

  • Class 10 marks for fresh trade apprentices

  • Degree or diploma marks for graduate and technician apprentices

A trade-wise or subject-wise merit list will be prepared. If two candidates score the same marks, preference will be given to the older candidate.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete document verification, medical examination, and police verification at the time of joining.

UP Police Recruitment Begins: Apply for 537 SI and ASI Posts by January 19

UP Police Recruitment Begins: Apply for 537 SI and ASI Posts by January 19

The Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment and Promotion Board (UPPRPB) has started the direct recruitment process for 537 vacancies for the posts of Police Sub-Inspector (Confidential), Police Assistant Sub-Inspector (Clerk), and Police Assistant Sub-Inspector (Accounts). The official notification for this recruitment was released on the board’s website.

Eligible and interested candidates can apply online till January 19 through the official website uppbpb.gov.in. The notification provides complete details regarding eligibility criteria, educational qualifications, age limit, reservation rules, application process, syllabus, and examination procedure.

UP Police Vacancy Details 2025

Under this recruitment drive, a total of 537 posts will be filled:

  • Police Sub-Inspector (Confidential): 112 posts

  • Police Assistant Sub-Inspector (Clerk): 311 posts

  • Police Assistant Sub-Inspector (Accounts): 114 posts

The application fee can be paid till January 19, while candidates will be allowed to make corrections in the fee submission till January 22.

Educational Qualification and Eligibility

Candidates applying for the SI (Confidential) and ASI (Clerk) posts must hold a graduate degree from a recognised university or institution. In addition, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Hindi typing speed: 25 words per minute

  • English typing speed: 30 words per minute

  • ‘O’ Level certificate from DOEACC/NIELIT

Age Limit

The minimum age required to apply is 21 years, while the maximum age limit is 28 years, calculated as of July 1, 2025. Age relaxation will be provided to candidates belonging to reserved categories as per government rules.

Application Process

To apply for the UP Police recruitment, candidates must:

  • Visit the official website uppbpb.gov.in

  • Complete One-Time Registration (OTR)

  • Log in and fill out the online application form

  • Upload the required documents

  • Pay the prescribed application fee

  • Submit the application form online

Application Fee

  • Unreserved, EWS, and OBC candidates: Rs 500

  • SC and ST candidates: Rs 400

The application fee can be paid using debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI.

Candidates are advised to carefully read the official notification and complete the application process well before the last date to avoid any technical issues.

How to Block a Lost or Stolen Mobile Phone Using the CEIR Portal

How to Block a Lost or Stolen Mobile Phone Using the CEIR Portal

Losing a mobile phone or realising that it has been stolen can be stressful and overwhelming. Apart from the cost of the device, there is always the fear of personal data being misused. To address this issue, the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) Portal, operated by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), allows users in India to block their lost or stolen mobile phones and prevent unauthorised usage.

What You Need Before Blocking Your Phone

Before starting the blocking process, keep the following details ready to avoid delays:

You will need the IMEI number of your mobile phone. This can be found by dialling *#06#, checking the device box, or referring to the purchase invoice.

A police complaint or FIR registered for the lost or stolen mobile phone is mandatory.

You will also need a valid identity proof, such as Aadhaar card or PAN card.

Keep access to the mobile number previously used in the device, or at least one of them, as it will be required to receive an OTP for verification.

Step-by-Step Process to Block Your Phone via the CEIR Portal

Visit the official CEIR website at ceir.gov.in, or access it through the Sanchar Saathi Portal.

On the homepage, select the option that says “Block Stolen/Lost Mobile”.

Fill in the required details carefully, including the mobile number(s) linked to the device and the IMEI number(s) of the lost or stolen phone.

Enter the brand and model of the mobile phone. Upload the purchase invoice if the system asks for it.

Provide details such as the date and place of loss or theft, along with the police station name, complaint number, and upload a copy of the police complaint.

Next, enter your personal details, including your name, address, email ID, and identity proof number.

Enter a mobile number that will receive the OTP. Click on Get OTP, verify it, and submit the form.

Once submitted, a Request ID will be generated. Save this ID, as it will be required to track the status of your request.

After submission, the CEIR system will block the IMEI of your device, making the phone unusable on all Indian telecom networks.

What Happens After You Submit the Request

You can track the status of your request on the CEIR portal using the Request ID or complaint number.

If your phone is recovered later, you can apply for unblocking the device through the same portal by submitting the un-block request form.

It is important to note that the CEIR Portal does not track or locate your phone. Its purpose is to disable the device from being used on mobile networks and prevent misuse.

Why Blocking Your Phone Through CEIR Is Important

Blocking a lost or stolen phone through the CEIR Portal helps protect your personal data and prevents unauthorised use of the device. It also assists law enforcement by ensuring that the handset becomes inactive and traceable if someone tries to use it on Indian telecom networks.

With a simple online process, the CEIR Portal gives users a reliable way to regain control and secure their information during a difficult situation.