Freezing of Small Savings Schemes accounts matured but not closed after 3 years
SB Order No. 10/2025
FS-13/7/2020-FS-Part (1) Government of India Ministry of Communications Department of Posts (Financial Services Division)
Dak Bhawan, New Delhi — 110001 Dated: 15.07.2025
To
All Head of Circles/Regions
Subject: Freezing of Small Savings Schemes accounts matured but not closed after 3 years.
Sir/Madam,
Please refer to SB Order No. 25/2022 dated 16-12-2022, concerning the freezing of Small Savings Schemes accounts, under INOP-freeze Code, that have matured but not closed even after three years of maturity.
2. As per the aforementioned SB Order, it was decided to freeze matured accounts under the schemes MIS, SCSS, TD, KVP, NSC, RD, and PPF accounts (that are matured but not extended), which have not been closed even after three years since maturity. The designated freeze reason code for these accounts is ‘INOP: Inoperative more than 3 years’.
3. To further enhance security of hard-earned money of depositors, it has now been decided that this freezing activity will be conducted twice a year as a continuous cycle. The process of identification and freezing of such accounts will be completed within 15 days, commencing from 1st July and 1st January of each year. This means accounts that complete three years of maturity as on 30th June and 31st December every year, respectively, will be identified and frozen
4. The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for handling these frozen accounts, as detailed in SB Order 25/2022, remains in effect and must continue to be followed.
5. This issues with the approval of the Competent Authority.
Yours faithfully,
(Devender Kumar Sharma) Assistant Director (SB-II)
Free Aadhaar Biometric Update for Children Aged 5-7: UIDAI Urges Parents to Update
Mandatory Biometric Update Enables Seamless Access to School Admissions, Entrance Exams, Scholarships, and DBT Benefits
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has reiterated the importance of completing the Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) for children who have attained the age of seven but have not yet updated their biometrics in Aadhaar. This is an existing requirement under Aadhaar, and parents or guardians can update the details of their child at any Aadhaar Seva Kendra or designated Aadhaar centre.
UIDAI has started sending SMS messages to the mobile numbers registered in the Aadhaar of such children for completing the MBU exercise.
Update Your Child’s Aadhaar Biometrics for Free Between Ages 5 and 7
A child under the age of five enrols for Aadhaar by providing the photograph, name, date of birth, gender, address and documents of proof. The fingerprints and iris biometrics of a child are not captured for Aadhaar enrolment below the age of five because these are not mature at that age.
As per existing rules, therefore, fingerprints, iris and photo are mandatorily required to be updated in his/her Aadhaar when the child reaches the age of five years. This is called first Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU). If the child performs the MBU between the age of five and seven years, it is free of cost. But after seven years of age, there is a prescribed fee of Rs. 100 only.
Timely completion of MBU is an essential requirement for maintaining the accuracy and reliability of biometric data of children. If the MBU is not completed even after 7 years of age, the Aadhaar number may be deactivated, as per the existing rules.
From Enrolment to Opportunity-Aadhaar Empowers Every Step
Aadhaar with updated biometric facilitates ease of living and ensures seamless usage of Aadhaar in availing services such as school admissions, registering for entrance examinations, availing benefits of scholarships, DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) schemes, etc wherever applicable. Parents/ guardians are advised to update biometrics of their children/wards in Aadhaar, on priority.
DoPPW Conducts Mid-Campaign Review of Special Campaign 2.0 for Family Pensioners and Super Senior Pensioners
73% of 2,210 targeted cases redressed in first 15 days of Special Campaign 2.0 for Family Pensioners and Super Senior Pensioners
Hundreds of Family Pensioners and Super Senior Pensioners are benefited from Special Campaign 2.0
Long pending grievances of Family Pensioners and Super Senior Pensioners are redressed during Special Campaign 2.0
The Union Minister of State for the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh launched a month long Special Campaign 2.0 from 1st to 31stJuly for the timely and qualitative redressal of grievances of Family Pensioners and Super Senior Pensionerson 2nd July, 2025. In the campaign, 2210 cases were taken up and shared with the concerned stake holders.
DoPPW conducted a mid-campaign review of the ongoing campaign under the chairmanship of Secretary Pension with the representatives of 31 Ministries/Departments/Organizations on 15.07.2025.
In the meeting, it was informed that several long pending grievances including which were registered in 2024 have been successfully redressed. Also, one of the family pensioners who was not receiving Special Family Pension w.e.f. 01.07.2014, has got benefitted from the initiative with the payment of arrears of Rs. 13,92,480/- . The Special campaign 2.0 is providing relief to the family pensioners and Super-Senior pensioners across the country, especially from the rural areas as hundreds of long pending grievances are being redressed.
Till 15.07.2025, the campaign has resulted in successful redressal of 1605 grievances out of the 2210 identified cases for the Special Campaign 2.0. DoPPW is closely monitoring the pace and quality of the redressal.
Secretary (Pension) appreciated the coordinated efforts of 51 Ministries / Departments / Organizations and emphasized upon the ‘Whole of the Government approach’ while dealing with the grievances of the pensioners, so that the grievances are closed only after their logical and ultimate redressal.
The Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) has today released the much-awaited notification for the Combined Civil Services Examination – II (Group II and IIA Services). This announcement opens up significant opportunities for aspiring candidates looking to join various government departments across Tamil Nadu.
The notification, released on the official TNPSC website, invites applications for a total of 645 vacancies. These posts include a range of roles in Group II (interview posts) and Group IIA (non-interview posts), offering diverse career paths within the state administration.
Key Dates to Remember:
Application Start Date: July 15, 2025
Application Last Date: August 13, 2025
Application Correction Window: August 18, 2025 (12:01 A.M.) to August 20, 2025 (11:59 P.M.)
Preliminary Examination Date: September 28, 2025 (09:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M.)
Eligibility Criteria:
Candidates are advised to thoroughly review the official notification for detailed eligibility requirements. However, broadly, applicants must hold a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university. Age limits vary depending on the specific post, with concessions for reserved categories as per government norms.
Application Process:
Interested and eligible candidates must apply online through the TNPSC’s official website, tnpsc.gov.in. A one-time registration is required, which remains valid for five years. Following this, candidates can proceed to fill out the application form for the Group 2 & 2A examination and pay the requisite application fee.
Examination Pattern:
The selection process for Group II and IIA services typically involves two stages:
Preliminary Examination: This is an objective-type examination designed to shortlist candidates for the Mains. It generally covers General Studies, Aptitude, and Mental Ability.
Main Examination: This stage comprises written descriptive papers. For Group II posts, a final interview round follows the Mains exam. Group IIA posts are non-interview posts, with selection based solely on the Mains examination.
Preparation is Key:
With the notification now out, aspiring candidates should intensify their preparation. Familiarizing themselves with the detailed syllabus, understanding the exam pattern, and practicing previous year’s question papers will be crucial for success. Many coaching centers and online platforms offer comprehensive study materials and guidance for the TNPSC Group 2 & 2A examinations.
This recruitment drive presents a golden opportunity for individuals seeking a stable and rewarding career in the Tamil Nadu government. Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical glitches. For complete details, including post-wise vacancies, detailed syllabus, and instructions for application, refer to the official notification on the TNPSC website.
Training and Coaching for Reserved Category and Women Officials/GDS in LDCEs/CEs: Dept of Posts
F. No. SC- 1 3 I 1 12024-SCT-DOP-Part(2) भारत सरकार/ Government of India संचार मंत्रालय/ Ministry of Communications डाक विभाग /Department of Posts (आरक्षण केन्द्र/ Reservation Cell)
To, The Chief Postmasters General, All Postal Circles.
Subject: Training/Coaching to (SC/ST/OBC/ EWS/ Ex-Servicemen/PwDs) reserved category officials/GDS and women officials/GDS of the Department, who apply for Limited Departmental Competitive Examinations (LDCEs)/ Competitive Examinations (CE) – reg.
Sir/Madam,
This is regarding providing training/coaching to reserved category officials/GDS (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/Ex-Servicemen/PwDs) and women officials/GDS, who apply for Limited Departmental Competitive Examinations (LDCES)/Competitive Examinations (CE) for various cadres in Group C and Group B with the objective to enable them to clear the LDCEs/CEs and to improve their representation in the service hierarchy.
The following instructions may be kept in view for imparting such training/coaching :
i. The training/coaching must cover the syllabus prescribed for LDCEs/ CEs by the Personnel Division and should be imparted to all eligible candidates from the aforesaid reserved/women categories. Training/coaching can also cover clarifications/removal of doubts on the topics included in the syllabus.
ii. Such training/coaching should spread over 15-20 working days (3-4 weeks), covering about 60 hours.
iii. Training/coaching may be arranged, as far as possible in Postal Training Centres (PTCs), Regional Training Centres (RTCs)/Circle Offices/Region Offices/any other Convenient departmental location and should be managed without any dislocation to the work.
iv. The willing serving as well as retired officials may be considered for imparting the said training/coaching.
3. It may also be noted that such training/coaching classes are purely voluntary in nature. If any of the candidates wants to opt out of the same, he/she may be allowed.
4. This issues with the approval of the Competent Authority,
Yours faithfully,
(Prabha Sharma) Assistant Director General (PE-l & RES.)
Engagement and Hiring of Para-Medical Staff (Group “C”) on Contract Basis: Railway Board
RBE No.: 61/2025
भारत सरकार Government of India रेल मंत्रालय Ministry of Railways रेलवे बोर्ड (Railway Board)
No. E(NG)II/2005/RC-4/SC/2 Pt.1
New Delhi, dated: – 30.06.2025
To The General Manager (P) All Zonal Railways/PUs etc. Director General, RDSO, Lucknow (As per Standard mail list)
Sub: Engagement of retired para-medical staff (in Group “C”) and hiring of para-medical staff (in Group “C”) on contract basis.
Ref: Board’s letter No. E(NG)II/2005/RC-4/SC/2 Pt. 1 dated 28.06.2024.
Please refer to Board’s letter under reference. The scheme as contained therein is valid till 30.06.2025. The matter regarding further extension of above scheme has been reviewed and it has been decided that for the exigency of the scheme, the engagement of non-gazetted retired para-medical staff (Group “C”) on contract basis may be done in terms of Board’s letter No. E(NG)II/2024/RC-4/9 dated 15.10.2024, 31.12.2024 and 20.06.2025 (as further amended/modified from time to time).
2. Further, it has also been decided that in the event of unavailability of retired para-medical staff / other staff, as the case may be, in the Railway hospitals, as mentioned in their letter No. E(NG)II/2005/RC-4/SC/2 Pt.1 dated 28.06.2024, vacant posts may be engaged (though hiring is not permitted against normal vacancies) through Government of India empanelled (with minimum three-star rating) Health care service agencies subject to availability of funds and such hiring of para-medical staff in Group “C” should be properly assessed by the Zonal Railways/PUs in Group “C” eligibility conditions should be properly examined. The hiring on contract basis (through empanelled agencies) of non-gazetted para-medical Staff hired on contract basis (in Group “C”) from open market, as per Board’s letter No. 2017/Trans/01/Policy dated 12.04.2018. This scheme shall be effective beyond 30.06.2025 and up to 15.10.2026.
This issues with the concurrence of Finance Directorate of this Ministry.
आयकर विभाग ने कटौतियों और छूटों के फर्जी दावों पर कसा शिकंजा
जांच में कुछ आईटीआर तैयार करने वालों और रिटर्न दाखिल करने वाले बिचौलियों की ओर से संचालित संगठित रैकेट का पर्दाफाश हुआ, जो फर्जी कटौतियों और छूटों का दावा करते थे
आंकड़ों के आधार पर धारा 10(13ए), 80जीजीसी, 80ई, 80डी, 80ईई, 80ईईबी, 80जी, 80जीजीए, और 80डीडीबी के तहत कटौतियों के दुरुपयोग का पता चला
आयकर विभाग ने आज देश भर में कई जगहों पर बड़े पैमाने पर वेरिफिकेशन अभियान शुरू किया, जिसका उद्देश्य आयकर रिटर्न (आईटीआर) में कटौतियों और छूटों के फर्जी दावे करने वाले लोगों और संस्थाओं को निशाना बनाना था। यह कार्रवाई आयकर अधिनियम, 1961 के अंतर्गत कर लाभों के दुरुपयोग, जो अक्सर पेशेवर बिचौलियों की मिलीभगत से होता है, की गहन जांच के बाद की गई है।
जांच में कुछ आईटीआर तैयार करने वालों और बिचौलियों की ओर से संचालित संगठित रैकेट का पर्दाफाश हुआ है, जो फर्जी कटौतियों और छूटों का दावा करते हुए रिटर्न दाखिल कर रहे थे। इन फर्जी दाखिलों में लाभकारी प्रावधानों का गलत इस्तेमाल शामिल है, और कुछ लोग तो बहुत ज्यादा रिफंड का दावा करने के लिए फर्जी टीडीएस रिटर्न भी दाखिल करते हैं।
संदिग्ध पैटर्न की पहचान करने के लिए, आयकर विभाग ने तृतीय-पक्ष स्रोतों, जमीनी स्तर की खुफिया जानकारी और एडवांस्ड आर्टिफिशियल इंटेलीजेंस उपकरणों से प्राप्त वित्तीय आंकड़ों का इस्तेमाल किया है। महाराष्ट्र, तमिलनाडु, दिल्ली, गुजरात, पंजाब और मध्य प्रदेश में हाल ही में की गई तलाशी और जब्ती की कार्रवाइयों से इन निष्कर्षों की पुष्टि होती है, जहां कई समूहों और संस्थाओं की ओर से धोखाधड़ी के दावों के सबूत पाए गए।
जांच से धारा 10(13ए), 80जीजीसी, 80ई, 80डी, 80ईई, 80ईईबी, 80जी, 80जीजीए, और 80डीडीबी के अंतर्गत कटौतियों के गलत इस्तेमाल का पता चला है। बिना किसी वैध कारण के छूट का दावा किया गया है। इसमें बहुराष्ट्रीय कंपनियों, सार्वजनिक उपक्रमों, सरकारी निकायों, शैक्षणिक संस्थानों और उद्यमियों के कर्मचारी भी शामिल हैं। करदाताओं को आमतौर पर कमीशन के बदले में बढ़े हुए रिफंड के वादे के साथ इन धोखाधड़ी वाली योजनाओं में फंसाया जाता है। पूरी तरह से ई-सक्षम कर प्रशासन प्रणाली के बावजूद, अप्रभावी संचार करदाताओं की मदद करने में एक बड़ी परेशानी बना हुआ है। यह देखा गया है कि ऐसे आईटीआर तैयार करने वाले अक्सर केवल एक साथ ढेर सारे रिटर्न दाखिल करने के लिए अस्थायी ईमेल आईडी बनाते हैं, जिन्हें बाद में छोड़ दिया जाता है, जिसके चलते आधिकारिक नोटिस बिना पढ़े रह जाते हैं।
‘करदाताओं पर पहले भरोसा करें’ के अपने मार्गदर्शक सिद्धांत के अनुरूप, आयकर विभाग ने स्वैच्छिक अनुपालन पर जोर दिया है। बीते एक साल में, आयकर विभाग ने एसएमएस और ईमेल मदद सहित व्यापक संपर्क अभियान चलाए हैं, जिससे संदिग्ध करदाताओं को अपने रिटर्न संशोधित करने और सही कर भुगतान करने के लिए प्रेरित किया जा सके। परिसर के अंदर और बाहर, भौतिक संपर्क कार्यक्रम भी आयोजित किए गए हैं। इसके चलते, बीते चार महीनों में लगभग 40,000 करदाताओं ने अपने रिटर्न अपडेट किए हैं और अपनी इच्छा से ₹1,045 करोड़ के फर्जी दावे वापस लिए हैं। हालांकि, कई लोग अभी भी, शायद इन कर चोरी रैकेट के पीछे के मास्टरमाइंडों के प्रभाव में, अनुपालन नहीं कर रहे हैं।
आयकर विभाग अब लगातार जारी धोखाधड़ी के दावों के खिलाफ कड़ी कार्रवाई करने के लिए तैयार है, जिसमें जहां भी लागू हो, दंड और अभियोजन भी शामिल है। 150 परिसरों में चल रहे सत्यापन अभियान से डिजिटल रिकॉर्ड सहित महत्वपूर्ण साक्ष्य मिलने की उम्मीद है, जिससे इन योजनाओं के पीछे के नेटवर्क को ध्वस्त करने और कानून के तहत जवाबदेही सुनिश्चित करने में मदद मिलेगी।
आगे की जांच अभी जारी है।
करदाताओं को दोबारा सलाह दी जाती है कि वे अपनी आय और संचार निर्देशांक का सही विवरण दर्ज करें और अनुचित रिफंड का वादा करने वाले अनधिकृत एजेंटों या बिचौलियों की सलाह से प्रभावित न हों।
Income Tax Department cracks down on bogus claims of deductions & exemptions
Investigations uncover organised rackets operated by certain ITR preparers and intermediaries filing returns, claiming fictitious deductions and exemptions
Data analysis reveals misuse of deductions under sections 10(13A), 80GGC, 80E, 80D, 80EE, 80EEB, 80G, 80GGA, and 80DDB
The Income Tax Department initiated a large-scale verification operation across multiple locations in the country today, targeting individuals and entities facilitating fraudulent claims of deductions and exemptions in Income Tax Returns (ITRs). This action follows a detailed analysis of the misuse of tax benefits under the Income-tax Act, 1961, often in collusion with professional intermediaries.
Investigations have uncovered organised rackets operated by certain ITR preparers and intermediaries, who have been filing returns claiming fictitious deductions and exemptions. These fraudulent filings involve the abuse of beneficial provisions, with some even submitting false TDS returns to claim excessive refunds.
To identify suspicious patterns, the IT Department has leveraged financial data received from third-party sources, ground-level intelligence, and advanced artificial intelligence tools. These findings are further substantiated by recent search and seizure operations conducted in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Gujarat, Punjab, and Madhya Pradesh, where evidence of fraudulent claims was found to have been used by various groups and entities.
Analysis reveals misuse of deductions under sections 10(13A), 80GGC, 80E, 80D, 80EE, 80EEB, 80G, 80GGA, and 80DDB. Exemptions have been claimed without valid justification. Employees of MNCs, PSUs, government bodies, academic institutions, and entrepreneurs are among those implicated. Taxpayers are often lured into these fraudulent schemes with promises of inflated refunds in return for a commission. Despite a fully e-enabled tax administration system, ineffective communication remains a significant hurdle in assisting taxpayers. It has been observed that such ITR preparers often create temporary email IDs solely for filing bulk returns, which are later abandoned, resulting in official notices going unread.
In line with its guiding principle of ‘Trust Taxpayers First’, the IT Department has emphasised voluntary compliance. Over the past year, the IT Department has carried out extensive outreach efforts, including SMS and email advisories, nudging suspected taxpayers to revise their returns and pay the correct tax. Physical outreach programs, both on and off campus, have also been conducted. As a result, approximately 40,000 taxpayers have updated their returns in the last four months, voluntarily withdrawing false claims amounting to ₹1,045 crore. However, many remain non-compliant, possibly under the influence of the masterminds behind these evasion rackets.
The IT Department is now poised to take stern action against continued fraudulent claims, including penalties and prosecution wherever applicable. The ongoing verification exercise across 150 premises is expected to yield crucial evidence, including digital records, that will aid in dismantling the networks behind these schemes and ensure accountability under the law.
Further investigations are currently underway.
Taxpayers are again advised to file correct particulars of their income and communication coordinates and not be influenced by advice from unauthorised agents or intermediaries promising undue refunds.
No. 178/4/2025-ITA-1 Government of India Ministry of Finance Department of Revenue Central Board of Direct Taxes (ITA-I Division)
New Delhi, the 2nd July 2025
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Sub: Tax treatment under Unified Pension Scheme – reg.
Kindly refer to your OM F.No. FX-11/16/2025-PR dated 17.06.2025 received in this office by email from TPL Division. CBDT vide OM E.No. 370149/84/2025-TPL dated 25.06.2025.
2. In this regard, it is stated that your Department Gazette issued notification dated 24th January, 2025 regarding introduction of Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) as an option under National Pension System (NPS). Further. it has been stated in your OM dated 17.06.2025 that UPS has been introduced as an option under NPS. vide notification dated 24.01.2025. for such central government employees covered under NPS through an amendment to the said notification dated 22.12.2003. The UPS is to the managed within the existing institutional NPS architecture regulated by PFRDA.
3. Further, vide your OM dated 17.06.2025 it was requested to issue concurrence on the following: :
“The provisions of Section 80CCD (1), 80CCD (1B), 80CCD (2). 8OCCD (3). 8NCCD (4), 10(12A) and 10(128) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, would he applicable mutatis-mutandis on Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) as it is an option under National Pension System (NPS)”
4, With reference to the above it is concurred that the provisions of Section 80CCD (1), 80CCD (1B). 80CCD(2), 80CCD(3), 80CCD(4). 10(12A) and 10(12B) of the Income Tax Act. 1961 would be applicable mutatis-mutandis to Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) to the extent of limits as provided in the aforementioned Sections. Any diversion regarding payout/contributions shall require legislative amendment.
5. This issues with the approval of Member (IT). CBDT.
IDA from July 2025 for 2017 Pay Scales CPSE Employees – DPE ORDER
No. W-02/0039/2017-DPE (WC)/FTS-8022 Government of India Ministry of Finance Department of Public Enterprises
Public Enterprises Bhawan Block 14, CGO Complex, Lodi Road, New Delhi-110003 Dated: 09th July, 2025
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject:- Board level and below Board level posts including non-unionised supervisors in Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs)- Revision of scales of pay w.e.f. 01.01.2017 – Payment of IDA at revised rates.
The undersigned is directed to refer to para 7 and Annexure-III (B) of DPE’s OM dated 03.08.2017 wherein the rates of DA payable to the Board level and below Board level executives and non-unionized supervisors of CPSEs have been indicated, and to state that DA payable to the executives and non-unionized supervisors of CPSESs following 2017 pay scales has been revised to 49% w.e.f. 01.07.2025.
2 The above rate of DA i.e. 49% would be applicable in the case of IDA employees who have been allowed revised pay scales (2017) as per DPE O.Ms. dated 03.08.2017, 04.08.2017 & 07.09.2017.
3. All administrative Ministries/Departments of the Government of India are requested to bring the foregoing to the notice of the CPSEs under their administrative control for necessary action at their end.
4. This issues with the approval of the Secretary, Department of Public Enterprises.
(Dr P K Sinha) Deputy Secretary to the Government of India
